Burlington Man Pleads Not Guilty To Federal Drug Charges

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 10:15 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BURLINGTON, VT.- On Thursday, November 14, 2024, Nicolelus Sanborn, 30, of Burlington, Vermont, appeared in U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont and entered a not-guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle to an indictment charging him with the Distribution of Fentanyl. Following entering his not-guilty plea, Judge Doyle ordered Sanborn detained pending trial.

     On October 17, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury for the District of Vermont returned the indictment that charged Sanborn with distributing fentanyl in May 2024 in Burlington, Vermont.

     According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, it has been alleged that a confidential informant purchased illicit narcotics from Sanborn during controlled buys under the observation of law enforcement officers. Following the unsealing of the indictment, Sanborn remained at large until November 14, 2024, when local and federal law enforcement officers located and arrested him.

     If convicted at trial, Sanborn faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million or both. The actual term of imprisonment would be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge based on the seriousness of the offense and Sanborn’s prior criminal history, if any.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”