Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
A federal grand jury has indicted Richard Bailey Jr., 34, of St. Albans, Vermont, on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment was returned on August 28, 2025, according to the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.
Bailey pleaded not guilty during an arraignment held on September 8, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Bailey remain detained while the case proceeds.
Court records state that on June 2, 2025, police in St. Albans were investigating a domestic violence incident involving Bailey. Later, officers in Burlington saw Bailey near the workplace of the alleged victim. Authorities say Bailey fled from police and discarded a fanny pack containing a loaded Sig Sauer pistol with a round chambered.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that “an indictment contains allegations only and that Bailey is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.” If convicted, Bailey could face up to 15 years in prison; sentencing would be determined by the District Court using advisory guidelines and statutory factors.
“Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the St. Albans and Burlington Police Departments.”
Assistant United States Attorney Nate Burris is prosecuting the case. Assistant Federal Public Defender Barclay Johnson represents Bailey.
