Federal Gun Charge Brought Against Burlington Man With History of Violating Abuse Prevention Orders

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Mark Caron, 52, of Burlington, with possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense, in this case six felony offenses. The indictment charges that three of the defendant’s six prior felony offenses were violations of state abuse prevention orders.

According to the Government’s allegations, on September 7, 2015, Caron went to the Swanton, Vermont residence of a friend of Caron’s ex-girl-friend’s and accused the friend of having contact with Caron’s ex-girlfriend. The Government alleges that Caron then threatened to shoot this man while Caron was brandishing a firearm.

Caron has pled not guilty to the offense. Magistrate-Judge John Conroy granted the Government’s motion for detention on the grounds that Caron presented a danger to the community. Accordingly, Caron is now in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and being held without bail.

U.S. Attorney Eric Miller noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s renewed commitment to assist state law enforcement authorities in pursuing federal charges, when appropriate, against individuals that pose a risk of domestic violence.

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, Caron faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of ten years.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Swanton Police Department. The United States is represented by Joe Perella and Caron is represented by Steven Barth, Esq. of the Federal Public Defender’s Office.