A Hartford, Connecticut man has been charged with violations of the Controlled Substances Act. The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont announced that Christopher Stephens, 38, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 16, 2025. He faces charges of distributing fentanyl and possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.

Stephens pleaded not guilty during his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on January 16, 2025. Judge Doyle ordered Stephens' detention while the case is pending.

Court records indicate that between June 11 and July 23, 2024, Stephens allegedly sold fentanyl to an individual cooperating with law enforcement in Burlington, Vermont. A search warrant executed on June 23 at a hotel in Shelburne, Vermont where Stephens was staying revealed fentanyl packaged for street distribution. Law enforcement arrested Stephens on January 16 at a residence in Burlington and recovered a Walther .380 caliber firearm with a loaded magazine from the location.

The United States Attorney’s Office noted that an indictment contains only allegations and emphasized that Stephens is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each count. The final sentence would be determined by the District Court following advisory guidelines and statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigative work of several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Burlington Police Department among others.

Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig is prosecuting the case while Barclay Johnson represents Stephens.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. For more information about PSN, visit Justice.gov/PSN.