The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Chris Ross, 51, of New York City, and Kimberly Kuncz, 45, of Montpelier were arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy in connection with an Indictment returned by the Federal Grand Jury charging Ross and Kuncz with conspiracy to distribute heroin.
According to Court papers, Ross and Kuncz were arrested during the evening of March 19, 2015, after members of the Vermont Drug Task Force, working in cooperation with the Montpelier Police Department and Vermont State Police, observed Kuncz meet Ross as he arrived in Montpelier by train. Court papers indicate that law enforcement was aware that Kuncz was involved in heroin distribution and that she expected to be resupplied that evening. During a search of Ross, Vermont State Police discovered within his pants approximately 1700 individual dosage unit bags of a substance that tested positive for heroin. Ross denied knowledge of the items found within his pants.
At their arraignment, both Kuncz and Ross entered pleas of not guilty. The Indictment is an accusation only, and Kuncz and Ross are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Kuncz and Ross face a maximum possible penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000.
Following the arraignment, Kuncz was ordered released but remains subject to supervision by the United States Probation Office. Ross remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
This matter is being investigated by the Vermont Drug Task force, working in cooperation with the Montpelier Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Drescher. Ross is represented by Steven Barth, Esq. Kuncz is represented by Doug Kallen, Esq.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
