BURLINGTON, VERMONT – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Loren Senna, 37, of Burlington, Vermont, was arrested on Friday evening and has been charged by federal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base. Senna is scheduled to appear remotely this afternoon for an initial appearance before the Hon. Kevin J. Doyle, United States Magistrate Judge. 

According to the complaint filed this morning, on Friday evening, officers with the South Burlington Police Department were assisting in the investigation of a Burlington shooting when they conducted a traffic stop of a white Dodge Ram being driven by Senna.  The officers observed a large quantity of what appeared to be drugs on the driver’s floorboard, which was later determined to be approximately 230 grams of suspected cocaine base, or approximately 8 ounces.  A search of Senna resulted in the seizure of $5,812 and a 9mm bullet.  A search of Senna’s backpack resulted in the discovery of a 9mm firearm.  Investigators have preliminarily linked Senna to a white Jeep from which multiple gunshots were discharged earlier Friday evening near Murray Street and Allen Street in Burlington.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge against Senna is merely an accusation and that he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted of the charged offense, Senna could face up to forty years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and a period of federal supervised release. Any sentence will be formulated through consultation of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and consideration of Senna’s personal history and characteristics. 

AUSA Nicole P. Cate is prosecuting the case for the government. Senna is represented by the Federal Public Defender’s office.