BOSTON – A Vermont man was arrested last night in connection with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition and possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution.
Jeffrey Baird, 41, of Springfield, Vt., was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Following an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson in federal court in Springfield, Baird was detained pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for April 11, 2022.
According to the indictment, on or about Dec. 22, 2021, Baird allegedly possessed an Amadeo Rossi .357 caliber magnum revolver, five rounds of .357 caliber ammunition and three rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Baird is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior convictions. The indictment also alleges that, on the same date, Baird possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Rollins’s Springfield Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.