Vermont Man Faces Heroin Charges

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that, Phillip Wilson, age 36, of Burlington, Vermont, was arrested on July 6, 2016 and charged via federal criminal complaint with distributing heroin on June 23, 2016. Wilson made his initial appearance in federal court on July 6, 2016 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy. At a detention hearing on July 7, 2016, the Court ordered Wilson detained pending trial.

According to court records, the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force conducted a lengthy investigation into potential heroin distribution by Wilson. On July 6, 2016—the same day Wilson was arrested—law enforcement executed federal search warrants at Wilson’s residence in Burlington and at a second residence associated with Wilson in Essex, Vermont.

If convicted on the current charge, Wilson would face a statutory maximum term of 20 years in prison. His actual sentence would be determined with reference to the federal sentencing guidelines. United States Attorney Eric Miller emphasized that the charge in the criminal complaint is only an accusation and Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

United States Attorney Miller commended the efforts of the agencies involved in this investigation, which include the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the Burlington Police Department.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Doherty, Jr. Wilson is represented by defense attorney Mark Oettinger.