A federal grand jury in Vermont has indicted Christopher Crawford, 36, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, on charges of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment was returned on December 4, 2025.
Crawford is currently being held by the State of Vermont pending trial for unrelated state charges. According to court records, these include first-degree murder, cocaine possession, methamphetamine possession, and possession of a firearm after a violent crime conviction. The state alleges that on September 4, 2022, Crawford approached and fatally shot a man twice in the back of the head while the victim sat with his girlfriend at Burlington City Hall Park. On September 7, 2022—three days after the shooting—the Burlington Police Department stopped a vehicle carrying Crawford. Officers reportedly found a loaded .357 magnum revolver and a .380 semi-automatic pistol along with drugs including 49 grams of cocaine base, 97 grams of cocaine, six grams of methamphetamine, and three grams of fentanyl in Crawford’s backpack and bag.
The United States Attorney’s Office stated that an indictment contains only allegations and that Crawford is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted on the federal charges, he could face up to life imprisonment. Sentencing would be determined by the District Court using advisory guidelines and statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher acknowledged law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation: “I commend the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.”
Special Assistant United States Attorney Craig S. Nolan will prosecute the case. Defense counsel has not yet been appointed for Crawford in federal court.
