BURLINGTON, VT – Six individuals are facing charges in Burlington for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, as announced by the United States Attorney’s Office. The individuals named in the superseding indictment include Tyler Orvis of Milton, Vermont; Christopher Purvis of Hartford, Connecticut; Alexis Sutton of Windsor, Connecticut; Russell Mitchell of Chesapeake, Virginia; Sierra Fuentes of Bristol, Connecticut; and Dorothy Wilde of Hyde Park, Vermont.
All defendants have undergone arraignment. Christopher Purvis was the latest to appear in the District of Vermont on October 4. On August 11, Tyler Orvis admitted guilt to the conspiracy charges before United States District Judge Christina Reiss and awaits sentencing on December 5, 2023. Purvis, Mitchell, Fuentes, and Wilde remain in custody awaiting trial, while Sutton has been released with stipulations. The trial date remains undetermined.
Court documents indicate that the conspiracy to distribute the drugs spanned from September to December 30, 2022, in and around Burlington. The group also utilized a Milton residence for storing drug-related materials.
The public is reminded by the United States Attorney’s Office that indictments are mere allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. If found guilty, the accused could face up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $1,000,000. Final sentences will be decided by the federal district court, considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory elements.