Snead Back Behind Bars: Fentanyl Deal Lands VT Man 36 Months

St. Johnsbury, VT – Shawn Snead, 33, is headed back to prison after a federal judge slammed him with a 36-month sentence for peddling fentanyl while already on supervised release. The deal, cooked up in February and March of 2024, saw Snead working with an accomplice to flood the streets of St. Johnsbury with the deadly opioid.

U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III didn’t show Snead any leniency. He handed down a 24-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and *another* 12 months for violating the terms of his supervised release – the sentences to run consecutively. That means Snead will spend a total of 36 months caged, followed by a three-year stretch under federal supervision after he’s released.

Court records paint a clear picture: Snead wasn’t just dabbling. The offense involved “multiple controlled purchases” of fentanyl, meaning law enforcement had direct evidence of his involvement. What’s particularly galling? Snead was already on supervised release stemming from a 2020 conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base. He was out of prison for less than two years before he was back to his old tricks.

This isn’t a story of rehabilitation; it’s a predictable pattern. Snead began his supervised release in July 2022, and by early 2024, he was allegedly back in the drug trade. The system gave him a second chance, and he spit on it. The judge clearly recognized that, stacking the sentences to send a message.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the joint effort of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont State Police in bringing Snead to justice. “This case demonstrates the commitment of federal and state law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking operations and hold accountable those who prey on our communities,” a statement from the US Attorney’s office read.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Cate and Michelle Arra prosecuted the case. Snead was defended by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. While Barth argued for a lighter sentence, Judge Sessions wasn’t buying it. Snead’s history, and his brazen disregard for the law while under supervision, sealed his fate. This case serves as a stark reminder that dealing fentanyl – especially while on release for similar offenses – carries serious consequences.

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