Armed Drug Trafficker from Springfield, Massachusetts Sentenced to 144 Months for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine in Bennington, Vermont

RUTLAND - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 8, 2026, Alec Diaz, a/k/a "Benn Tenn," 22, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 144 months' imprisonment to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Diaz previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and carrying and using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court records, between January 2023 and September 2025, Diaz was a manager and supervisor of a drug trafficking organization operating around Bennington, Vermont. Diaz and his associates imported kilograms of cocaine into Vermont on multiple occasions. Once the cocaine was in Vermont, 90% of it was cooked into cocaine base. Diaz and his associates also regularly imported fentanyl. Numerous individuals, including a juvenile, distributed drugs on behalf of Diaz, at times selling over 1,000 bags of fentanyl a day. On September 24, 2025, law enforcement arrested Diaz in Pownal, Vermont. In the camper where Diaz was found, agents seized a .45 caliber handgun, approximately 26 grams of cocaine, approximately 32 grams of cocaine base, and $15,000 cash.

In addition to drug trafficking, Diaz was involved in firearms trafficking. Diaz obtained both handguns and AR-style rifles from a Bennington-area resident, and later transferred them to another drug trafficker. Diaz also used firearms during his drug trafficking activities, displaying them to intimidate others and protect his drug trafficking operation. On at least one occasion, Diaz obtained a firearm in exchange for drugs.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Bennington County Sheriff's Department, the Vermont State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Bennington Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Springfield (MA) Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Cambridge (NY) Police Department.

First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt added: "For two and a half years, Diaz pushed kilograms of poisonous drugs into Vermont for profit while facilitating the movement of firearms to other drug traffickers. Diaz' lengthy prison sentence should serve as a warning to others who would do the same."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner. Diaz was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Samuel Ansell.

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