Sami Hayyat, Possessing with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cocaine Base, Vermont 2022

A 47-year-old Middlebury man is facing federal charges after a traffic stop in Rutland.

Sami Hayyat, 47, of Middlebury, Vermont, was arrested on Wednesday evening and charged yesterday by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base on September 28, 2022.

According to court records, the Middlebury Police Department initiated a drug trafficking investigation of Hayyat earlier this month. Middlebury Police coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations to assist with the investigation.

On the afternoon of September 28, 2022, Hayyat was located driving in Rutland, Vermont by a Rutland City Police Officer. During a subsequent traffic stop, the officer observed that Hayyat was operating the vehicle without the mandated interlock device as required by Hayyat’s restricted driver’s license.

Hayyat was arrested for this violation and, based on additional information provided by Middlebury Police, Hayyat’s vehicle was searched by federal agents. The search revealed approximately 279 baggies of suspected fentanyl, approximately 4 grams of suspected cocaine, and approximately 43 grams of suspected cocaine base.

Agents also seized from Hayyat’s vehicle drug packaging, a digital scale, a single round of ammunition, and a firearm holster.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Hayyat is presumed innocent until and unless convicted of a crime.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the coordinated investigatory efforts of the Middlebury Police Department, the Rutland City Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Hayyat is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

This 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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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