Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced on April 27 that Theodore Bland, age 29, from Stowe, Vermont, pleaded guilty to federal firearm and drug charges. The charges include causing the deaths of two men while carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking. The plea was entered before United States District Judge William K. Sessions III, with sentencing scheduled for September 14 at 10 a.m.
Bland's case is significant as it involves both violent crime and narcotics distribution within Lamoille County. According to court records, between September 7 and October 15, 2023, Bland conspired with others to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl in the area. On October 12, he shot and killed two men at a residence in Lowell with the intent to take their supply of drugs. Afterward, he distributed portions of these stolen drugs among co-conspirators and others who helped conceal the murders by moving the bodies to a wooded area in Eden.
After committing these acts, Bland also took firearms from the victims and traded one for more narcotics intended for further distribution. Prosecutors had previously filed notice indicating an intent to seek the death penalty; however, following his plea agreement, Bland now faces up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years if accepted by the court.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended multiple law enforcement agencies involved in investigating this case: "the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the FBI, the Morristown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department." Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Dana Hill are prosecuting; defense counsel includes Bruce D. Koffsky Esq., David Sleigh Esq., and Francis L. O’Reilly Esq.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative involving federal resources aimed at reducing illegal immigration impacts as well as dismantling criminal organizations linked with violent crime.
The U.S. Attorney for Vermont supports community safety through efforts that reduce crime while protecting victims according to its official website. The office enforces federal criminal laws and handles civil litigation on behalf of the United States according to its official website. It serves all communities across Vermont according to its official website by fostering partnerships with state agencies as well as local law enforcement groups according to its official website. Falling under federal law enforcement administration according to its official website, it operates offices located in Burlington and Rutland according to its official website.
