Michael Burton, Cocaine and Gun Offenses, Vermont 2024

Rutland, Vermont – In a stunning display of lawlessness, Michael Burton, 48, of Shelburne, Vermont, has been brought to justice after a lengthy investigation into his illicit activities.

According to court records, Burton was arrested by law enforcement in South Burlington, Vermont on April 3, 2023, following a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking. At the time of his arrest, Burton possessed a black backpack containing over 100 grams of cocaine base, approximately 200 fentanyl pills, a digital scale, and additional drug paraphernalia used for the distribution of controlled substances.

Later that day, law enforcement executed a federal search and seizure warrant at Burton's residence in Shelburne, Vermont. Inside Burton's room, investigators found over 30 grams of cocaine base, ammunition, magazines, and three firearms, specifically: a Ruger EC9S 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol; a HS Produkt XD9 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol; and a Smith & Wesson M&P9 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

On May 29, 2024, Burton pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm before Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford. The judge subsequently sentenced Burton to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in our communities.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig, while Burton was represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.

Michael Burton, 48, of Shelburne, Vermont, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for cocaine and gun offenses in Vermont.

The exact charges against Burton include possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/shelburne-vermont-man-sentenced-60-months-drug-and-gun-offenses