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 Christopher Crawford, 36, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, on charges of possession with intent to distribute at least 28 grams of cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment was returned on December 4, 2025, according to the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.
Crawford has not yet been arraigned on these federal charges. Court records show that he is currently being held by the State of Vermont pending trial for separate state charges including first-degree murder, cocaine possession, methamphetamine possession, and possession of a firearm after a violent crime conviction. State prosecutors allege that on September 4, 2022, Crawford shot and killed a man in Burlington City Hall Park while the victim was sitting with his girlfriend. Three days later, police stopped a vehicle carrying Crawford and discovered two loaded firearms—a .357 magnum revolver and a .380 semi-automatic pistol—as well as illegal drugs including approximately 49 grams of cocaine base, 97 grams of cocaine, 6 grams of methamphetamine, and 3 grams of fentanyl in his backpack and bag.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that an indictment contains only allegations and emphasized that "Crawford is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty." If convicted on the federal charges, Crawford could face up to life imprisonment; however, sentencing would be determined by the District Court based on advisory guidelines and statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher acknowledged law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation: "First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration."
Special Assistant United States Attorney Craig S. Nolan is prosecuting the case. Defense counsel has not yet been appointed for Crawford in federal court.
