Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Lori Hunt, a 54-year-old resident of Burlington, was sentenced on April 27 to time served—approximately nine months in prison—followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distributing cocaine base. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address drug offenses and support community safety. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont supports community safety and civil rights through efforts aimed at reducing crime and protecting victims, according to the official website.
Court records show that on November 15, 2024, Hunt sold 2.66 grams of cocaine base during a controlled purchase conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. She arranged the sale over the phone and had her co-defendant, Silas Hunt, complete the transaction at their shared home on North Winooski Avenue in Burlington. Both were arrested on March 4, 2025. Silas Hunt also pleaded guilty and received a sentence of one year and one day in prison plus three years of supervised release.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt said he commended Homeland Security Investigations for its work on this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan prosecuted the case; Lori Hunt was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq., while Silas Hunt was represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont enforces federal criminal laws and handles civil litigation on behalf of the United States according to its official website. It serves all communities within Vermont according to its official website and maintains offices in both Burlington and Rutland according to its official website. The office also fosters partnerships with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies as well as community partners to enhance public safety according to its official website.
As part of federal law enforcement efforts in justice administration according to its official website, these cases underscore continued collaboration between agencies working together across Vermont.
