Burlington, Vermont Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine

RUTLAND - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 27, 2026, Christopher Dezotelle, 43, most recently of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 72 months' imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Dezotelle previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine base and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court records, Dezotelle, a life-long Vermonter with an extensive criminal history, conspired to distribute narcotics around Burlington, Vermont, between May 2024 and June 2024. A confidential informant working with law enforcement made recorded controlled purchases from Dezotelle and his coconspirator during law enforcement's investigation. These sales involved fentanyl and cocaine base. The investigation culminated in a search of Apartment 3 at 95 Grant Street in Burlington. Inside the apartment, law enforcement found approximately 259 grams of fentanyl, 92 grams of powder cocaine, 22 grams of cocaine base, and smaller amounts of other controlled substances, including methamphetamine. Law enforcement also seized $4,406 in cash.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Dezotelle was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.