BURLINGTON, VT – Jeremy Allin, 54, of Lancaster, New Hampshire, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment for his role in a Northeast Kingdom drug trafficking operation. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss handed down the sentence on June 24, 2024, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Allin previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base.
Court records paint a picture of Allin’s descent into the criminal enterprise, starting in late 2021. He initially sought drugs for personal use from Juan Carlos “JC” Ortiz, a dealer bouncing between residences in Orleans County, Vermont. Allin quickly moved beyond being a customer, becoming an active participant in Ortiz’s operation. He assisted with transactions and provided crucial transportation for the flow of illicit substances. Following a February 2022 raid in Westfield, Vermont, Ortiz relocated, using the homes of other conspirators – including Allin, who at the time resided in Lunenburg, Vermont – as safe houses.
The relationship continued until Ortiz’s arrest in August 2022. This wasn’t a victimless crime. The fentanyl and cocaine base pushed by this pair fueled addiction and misery across the Northeast Kingdom, a region already grappling with the opioid crisis. Judge Reiss previously sentenced Ortiz to a hefty 95 months behind bars for his leadership in the conspiracy. Allin’s sentence, while shorter, sends a message that even those playing supporting roles in drug trafficking will face consequences.
The case was the result of a long-term, multi-agency investigation spearheaded by the Northeastern Vermont Drug Task Force (NEVDTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The NEVDTF and ATF weren’t alone; they received critical support from Homeland Security Investigations, Vermont State Police detectives and troopers, the Orleans and Essex County Sheriff’s Departments, the Newport Police Department, Air & Marine Operations of U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and the FBI. It was a full-court press to dismantle this operation.
“This case highlights the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” stated United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “Working together, we can effectively target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher prosecuted the case, while Kevin Henry, Esq. represented Allin.
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer. PSN focuses on building trust with communities, supporting local organizations, strategically prioritizing enforcement, and measuring results. Details about PSN can be found at Justice.gov/PSN. The fight against drug trafficking is far from over, and Grimy Times will continue to report on those who profit from the suffering of others.
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Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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