Michael Bernier, Firearms Charges, Vermont 2024

East Montpelier Man Charged with Firearms Violations

Michael Bernier, a 34-year-old resident of East Montpelier, Vermont, has pleaded not guilty to firearms charges in federal court.

Bernier was charged with possession of firearms while being an unlawful user of heroin and cocaine base and making false statements regarding his drug use when purchasing the firearms, according to the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.

The indictment alleges that Bernier purchased two semi-automatic pistols from R&L Archery in Barre, Vermont over the course of two days on June 22 and 23, 2018. Investigation has revealed that Bernier was a user of heroin and cocaine base at the time of the purchases.

When agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives contacted Bernier about the purchases days later, Bernier told them that the firearms had been stolen out of his vehicle.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If he is convicted, Bernier faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of ten years.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department's renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney's Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Defendant: Michael Bernier

Criminal Charges: Possession of firearms while being an unlawful user of heroin and cocaine base and making false statements regarding his drug use when purchasing the firearms

City and State: East Montpelier, Vermont

Exact Date: June 22, 2018 (purchases), June 23, 2018 (purchases)

Sentence or Outcome: Detained pending trial

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/east-montpelier-man-pleads-not-guilty-firearms-charges