The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that six defendants involved in a drug distribution conspiracy in Chittenden County have been sentenced. The sentences were handed down by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss and United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino.
From October to December 2022, Christopher Purvis managed a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl in Burlington and other areas of Chittenden County. The operation utilized a residence in Milton, Vermont, owned by Tyler Orvis, for storing drug packaging materials. Law enforcement seized drugs and a firearm from Russell Mitchell, Alexis Sutton, and Dorothy Wilde during an investigation on December 6, 2022. Sierra Fuentes was also implicated for selling drugs and transporting proceeds related to the conspiracy.
Judge Christina Reiss imposed the following sentences: Christopher Purvis received 72 months followed by five years of supervised release; Russell Mitchell was sentenced to 54 months with three years of supervised release (later commuted to 20 months); Tyler Orvis received time served (approximately 24 months) with six years of supervised release; Dorothy Wilde was given time served (approximately eight months) followed by three years of supervised release; Alexis Sutton received six months followed by six years of supervised release. Judge Mae D’Agostino sentenced Sierra Fuentes to time served (approximately 14 months) with three years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher acknowledged the DEA Burlington office's role in the investigation and highlighted assistance from several local law enforcement agencies including the Milton Police Department and others.
Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig represented the government in this case. Various defense attorneys represented each defendant.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through community collaboration and strategic enforcement priorities.