Dayquan Smith, 34, of Hartford, Connecticut was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 7 for possessing with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of a mixture containing cocaine base and fentanyl, according to a May 8 announcement from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.
Smith pleaded not guilty during his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on May 7. Judge Doyle had previously ordered that Smith be detained while the case proceeds.
Court records state that on January 21, members of the Vermont State Police executed a search warrant at a residence on Sand Hill Road in Bethel. Smith was found inside a camper where law enforcement located over 350 grams of suspected cocaine base, more than 40 grams of suspected purple fentanyl, an unknown wet white powder or sludge in the shower area, approximately $8,675 in cash, a Ruger LCP Max .380 pistol, and ammunition.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that "an indictment contains allegations only and that Smith is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty." If convicted, Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and could receive up to life imprisonment. The actual sentence would be determined by the District Court using advisory sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended both the Vermont State Police and FBI for their investigative work. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate is prosecuting the case while Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon represents Smith.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont enforces federal laws and manages civil cases for the United States. It partners with agencies to boost public safety and safeguard civil rights while operating offices in Burlington and Rutland, according to the official website.
