October 13, 2009

JASON BOWERS PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO FEDERAL FIREARMS CHARGES

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Jason Bowers, 32, of Wolcott, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to federal firearms charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy released Bowers on conditions pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.

On September 24, 2009, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a three-count indictment charging Bowers with possessing stolen firearms; possessing a sawed-off shotgun; and possessing two weapons with defaced serial numbers. According to court records, these charges stem from three burglaries that occurred in Caledonia and Lamoille counties this past May. During those burglaries, three handguns, a rifle and a shotgun were stolen. Bowers was arrested by Vermont State Troopers on May 8. The execution of a state-court search warrant at the residence of Bowers’ father resulted in the recovery of the five guns. The indictment accuses Bowers of cutting down the barrel of the shotgun to less than 18 inches in length, and of attempting to obliterate the serial numbers on two of the stolen pistols. It is a federal crime to possess stolen guns that have crossed state lines; to possess a shotgun or rifle having a barrel less than 18 inches; and to possess any gun with an altered or obliterated serial number.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

Bowers faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. The actual sentence in the event of conviction would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.

Bowers is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Elizabeth Mann. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.