Marcano Sentenced 69 Months

Alexander Marcano, 33, of Hartford, Connecticut, has been sentenced to 69 months in prison for his role in a fentanyl distribution case. The sentence, handed down by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss, will be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release.

Marcano pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl on December 9, 2024. The charges stemmed from a traffic stop on January 30, 2023, in which U.S. Border Patrol Agents encountered a vehicle driving erratically in the area of North Troy, Vermont, approximately one-half mile from the U.S./Canada border.

During the stop, Marcano was found to be in possession of more than 98 grams of fentanyl, over 41 grams of cocaine base, over 75 grams of cocaine powder, a loaded 9 millimeter pistol, over $20,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution. At the time of the stop, Marcano was also found to have an extraditable warrant from Connecticut for a shooting, for which he was later convicted of Assault 1st Degree – Serious Physical Injury.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the United States Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Vermont Drug Task Force. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the agencies for their work on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Lasher and Corinne Smith. Marcano was represented by Ian Carleton, Esq. The sentence handed down by Judge Reiss reflects the seriousness of the crime and the impact it has on the community.

The fentanyl distribution case is a stark reminder of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. Fentanyl, a highly potent and deadly substance, has been linked to thousands of overdose deaths in recent years. The sentencing of Marcano serves as a warning to those involved in the distribution of this substance that they will be held accountable for their actions.

In a statement, Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the work of the agencies involved in the case, saying that their collaborative efforts were instrumental in bringing Marcano to justice. The case is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies to combating the opioid epidemic and keeping communities safe.