Brattleboro Man Charged with Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl Leading to Overdose Death

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Curtis Bunkley, a.k.a. “Punisher,” of Brattleboro, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing heroin and fentanyl leading to the overdose death of a Winhall, VT resident.  Bunkley was arraigned today by United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy, who ordered Bunkley detained pending trial. 

According to court records, a resident of Winhall, VT was found deceased on January 16, 2019.  The cause of the resident’s death was determined to be “acute mixed (heroin and fentanyl) intoxication.”  Inside the decedent’s residence were five empty bags and three bags containing heroin and fentanyl, all stamped with the symbol “12/24.”  Text messages found on the decedent’s cell phone showed communications with the individual who distributed the heroin and fentanyl to the decedent.  Witness testimony further revealed that the individual who distributed the heroin and fentanyl to the decedent purchased the substances from Bunkley.

On August 20, 2019, Bunkley pled guilty to a separate indictment charging him with distributing heroin and fentanyl.  In that case, according to Court records, Bunkley sold 50 bags of heroin and fentanyl to an informant on January 14, 2019.  The bags containing the heroin and fentanyl were stamped with the symbol “12/24.”  At the time of Bunkley’s arrest on April 11, 2019, he was found to be in possession of 320 additional bags of heroin and fentanyl.

The new charges against Bunkley are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Bunkley faces up to life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.  Bunkley’s ultimate sentence will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. 

The case will be prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Jonathan Ophardt and Assistant United States Attorney Nate Burris.  Bunkley is represented by Attorney Lisa Shelkrot. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.