Shelburne, Vermont – A gritty federal crime sweep in Rutland County has culminated with the sentencing of Michael Burton, a 48-year-old Shelburne resident. On May 29, 2024, Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Burton to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On April 3, 2023, law enforcement arrested Burton in South Burlington following an intensive investigation into drug trafficking. During the arrest, authorities discovered a black backpack brimming with over 100 grams of cocaine base, roughly 200 fentanyl pills, and various tools for distributing controlled substances.
Burton’s residence in Shelburne was also targeted by federal agents on April 3, 2023. Inside, investigators uncovered more than 30 grams of cocaine base, ammunition, magazines, and three firearms: 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 lauded the collaborative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in bringing Burton to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig prosecuted the case, while Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels represented Burton.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. PSN fosters trust within communities, supports organizations preventing violence, sets strategic enforcement priorities, and measures results for a safer Vermont. For more information on the program, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Related Federal Cases
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- Shelburne Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Cocaine and Gun Crimes · Vermont
- Vermont Felon Sentenced to 30 Months for Gun Crime · Vermont
- Vermont Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Gun and Cocaine Crimes · Vermont
- Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Heroin, Gun Crimes · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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