July 20, 2009

MILTON MAN ARRESTED ON GUN CHARGES

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Bruce M. Robertson, 52, was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Robertson appeared today before the Honorable John M. Conroy and was detained pending further proceedings in the case.

According to documents filed in the case, Robertson, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Burlington, Vermont. A search of the house in which he had been staying revealed six home-made pipe bombs. Robertson was previously convicted in federal court in the District of Vermont in 1993 on similar charges.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If he is convicted, Robertson faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of 10 years, or up to life imprisonment with enhancements for his criminal history; however the actual sentence in the event of a conviction will be determined in accordance with the federal sentencing guidelines. Robertson is represented by Michael Desautels, the Federal Public Defender, for the District of Vermont.

Acting U.S. Attorney Van De Graaf noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood, a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Project Safe Neighborhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who violate federal gun laws. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhood and Project Safe Vermont, please visit: www.psn.gov.