RUTLAND, VT – Todd Popovitch, 44, of Rutland, Vermont, is headed back to prison after a federal judge handed down a 48-month sentence for dealing crack cocaine and illegally possessing a dangerous weapon. Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss delivered the sentence on September 16, 2025, adding a seven-year term of supervised release to the prison stint.
Popovitch pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base and possession without registration of a firearm governed by the National Firearms Act – a one-two punch of serious federal offenses. The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles, highlights the persistent struggle against drug trafficking and illegal firearms in the Green Mountain State.
Court records reveal a disturbing pattern. Popovitch wasn’t a newcomer to the system. He had already successfully completed both state and federal drug treatment court programs. A clear attempt at rehabilitation, but one ultimately derailed. In 2024, Popovitch returned to the very activities he’d supposedly overcome – slinging drugs and carrying an unregistered firearm. This isn’t a story of a first-time offender; it’s a story of recidivism and a failure of the system to keep a dangerous individual on the straight and narrow.
The details of the firearm charge are particularly concerning. The National Firearms Act governs highly dangerous weapons – silencers, short-barreled rifles, and the like – requiring strict registration and oversight. Popovitch’s failure to register suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal his possession, indicating a potential for further criminal activity and a disregard for public safety. The specific type of NFA weapon hasn’t been disclosed, fueling speculation about the extent of Popovitch’s arsenal.
Defense attorney Natasha Sen, Esq., argued for leniency, likely emphasizing Popovitch’s prior success in treatment programs. However, Judge Reiss clearly determined that a significant prison sentence was necessary, both as punishment for Popovitch’s crimes and as a deterrent to others considering a similar path. Four years isn’t a slap on the wrist, but it remains to be seen if it will be enough to finally break the cycle of crime.
This case underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in Vermont, even in seemingly quiet towns like Rutland. The combination of drug trafficking and illegal firearms presents a deadly threat, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is clearly focused on prosecuting these offenses to the fullest extent of the law. Popovitch will have plenty of time to reflect on his choices while serving his sentence, and the residents of Rutland can breathe a little easier knowing he’s off the streets – for now.
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Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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