Vermont Man Sentenced To Time Served In Narcotics & Firearm Possession Case

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 6:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News, 

BURLINGTON, VT.- On Monday, September 16, 2024, Justin Bolio, 38, of Winooski, Vermont, appeared in U.S. District Court for the District Court of Vermont and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss to time served, followed by three years of supervised release. Bolio had previously pleaded guilty to the Distribution of Cocaine and being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.

     According to documents filed with the court, during an ongoing narcotics investigation on October 25, 2023, in Colchester, Vermont, Bolio sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant during a controlled buy under the direction of law enforcement officers.

Search Of Bolio’s Bedroom Finds Shotgun

     A few days later, on October 31, 2023, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at Bolio’s Winooski residence. During the search, investigators found Bolio inside his home, and a search of Bolio resulted in crack cocaine and $500 in cash on him. Investigators also found a 12-gauge shotgun in Bolio’s bedroom inside the home. 

     Further, investigators found a piece of paper inside the bedroom. Written on the piece of paper was “Justin Bolio’s serial numbers for my weapons,” with a description and serial number for the 12-gauge shotgun. Investigators determined that Bolio was prohibited from possessing a firearm because, in October 2023, he was an unlawful user of a controlled dangerous substance.

     U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Winooski Police Department, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for the investigation, arrest, and conviction of Bolio.