Nikolas Kerest U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Ryan Buckley, a 36-year-old resident of Windsor, Vermont, has been sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing was delivered by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss after Buckley pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm following a previous felony conviction.
Court records reveal that police discovered Buckley unconscious with a loaded handgun on his lap while he was parked at the community baseball field in Cheshire, Vermont. Upon being awakened by officers, Buckley attempted to grasp the weapon and drive away but was disarmed without incident. He admitted to smoking methamphetamine prior to the encounter, and authorities found methamphetamine in his vehicle. As part of his plea agreement, Buckley acknowledged possession of an additional 18 firearms, some reported as stolen.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Chester Police Department in investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Owyang prosecuted the case while Michael Straub represented Buckley.
This legal action is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.
For further details about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
