A man from Hartford, Connecticut, Christopher Stephens, 38, has been charged with violations of the Controlled Substances Act. The indictment was announced by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont on January 16, 2025. Stephens faces charges related to the distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
During his arraignment on January 16 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, Stephens pleaded not guilty. He was ordered to be detained pending further proceedings.
Court records indicate that between June 11 and July 23, 2024, Stephens allegedly sold fentanyl in Burlington, Vermont to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. A search warrant executed at a hotel in Shelburne, Vermont on June 23 uncovered fentanyl packaged for distribution. Stephens was arrested on January 16 in Burlington where authorities also found a Walther .380 caliber firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that an indictment is based on allegations and that Stephens remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years' imprisonment per count. Sentencing would follow guidelines set by the District Court.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher acknowledged the contributions of several agencies: the Drug Enforcement Administration, Burlington Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Vermont State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig is prosecuting the case while Barclay Johnson represents Stephens.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among law enforcement and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN focuses on building community trust and supporting violence prevention efforts.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods visit Justice.gov/PSN.