Ryan Buckley, a 36-year-old resident of Windsor, Vermont, received a 46-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss after Buckley pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Court records reveal that police discovered Buckley unconscious with a loaded handgun in his lap while parked at the community baseball field in Cheshire, Vermont. Upon being awakened by officers, Buckley reached for the weapon and attempted to drive away but was disarmed without incident. He admitted to having smoked methamphetamine prior to the encounter, and police found methamphetamine in his vehicle. As part of his plea deal, Buckley also confessed to owning an additional 18 firearms, some reported stolen.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigative work conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Chester Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Owyang prosecuted the case while Michael Straub represented Buckley.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department's strategy launched on May 26, 2021, focuses on building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
For further details about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.