Nikolas Kerest U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
A man from Queens, New York, Anthony Phelps, was sentenced on April 14, 2025, to 57 months in prison for firearm and drug-related charges. The ruling was made by United States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Phelps will also face a three-year supervised release following his prison term. The charges stem from Phelps' guilty plea for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, along with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court records indicate that Phelps engaged in cocaine base distribution to a confidential informant on three instances in March and September 2024. Authorities executed a search warrant on April 17, 2024, at a residence in Essex, Vermont, where Phelps was staying. The search uncovered 705.12 grams of cocaine, 90.82 grams of cocaine base, and a 9mm pistol in one room. Additionally, 92.24 grams of suspected cocaine, 86.78 grams of sodium bicarbonate, and a rifle were found in another room. Phelps admitted to intending to distribute the cocaine and cocaine base and, as a felon, was not permitted to possess the firearm.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the joint investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont State Police.
The case saw prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary B. Stendig, while Phelps was defended by Kevin Henry, Esq.
