A Stowe man, Theodore Bland, has been charged by a federal grand jury with several serious offenses, including conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and possession of cocaine base and fentanyl with intent to distribute. The charges also include using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging that firearm during the commission of the offense, and causing the deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White under circumstances that constitute murder under federal law.
Bland's arraignment on these new charges will be scheduled by the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. He is currently detained pending trial on charges from an original indictment.
Court records indicate that on October 12, 2023, Bland discharged a firearm related to his drug trafficking activities, resulting in the deaths of Solomon and White. It is alleged that Bland used social media messaging to coordinate with co-conspirators about controlled substances distribution and attempted to conceal the homicides. Additionally, he reportedly induced others to help move the bodies to wooded areas in Eden, Vermont, where they were discovered by law enforcement later in October 2023.
The United States Attorney’s Office notes that an indictment contains only allegations and Bland is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted on these new charges, Bland could face the federal death penalty or life imprisonment. Sentencing would be determined by the court based on guidelines and statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigatory work of various law enforcement agencies involved in this case: Vermont State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Morristown Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Paul Van de Graaf are prosecuting this case while David Sleigh represents Bland.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program focuses on fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.