A resident of Queens, New York, Anthony Phelps, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for charges related to firearms and illegal drugs. This sentence was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont on April 18, 2025, following Phelps' guilty plea in a Vermont court.
United States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. imposed the sentence, which includes a subsequent three-year term of supervised release. Phelps, aged 34, admitted to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, in addition to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case details reveal that Phelps provided cocaine base to a confidential informant on three separate occasions in March and September of 2024. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at a residence in Essex, Vermont, on April 17, 2024, where Phelps was found. During this search, authorities recovered a substantial quantity of drugs and firearms, including approximately 705.12 grams of cocaine, 90.82 grams of cocaine base, and a 9mm pistol in one room. Another room contained approximately 92.24 grams of suspected cocaine, 86.78 grams of sodium-bicarbonate, and a rifle. Phelps has acknowledged his intent to distribute the drugs and his prohibited possession of the 9mm pistol due to his status as a felon.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher recognized the joint investigatory efforts by Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont State Police. The legal proceedings against Phelps were managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary B. Stendig, while his defense was handled by attorney Kevin Henry, Esq.