Burlington Standard

Joseph Vaillancourt, a 42-year-old resident of White River Junction, Vermont, has been charged with possessing an unregistered silencer. The charge was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office and stems from a criminal complaint.

Vaillancourt appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on December 16, 2024. He was ordered to be detained pending further proceedings scheduled for later in the week.

Court records reveal that on October 18, 2024, police in Hartford, Vermont discovered the silencer during a search of Vaillancourt's residence. The search also uncovered thirteen firearms and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) identified the silencer as being subject to the National Firearms Act.

The United States Attorney’s Office clarified that these are allegations at this stage and emphasized that Vaillancourt is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison. However, the actual sentence would be determined by the District Court based on guidelines and statutory factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest praised the efforts of the ATF along with local law enforcement agencies including the Hartford Police Department and Windsor County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Eugenia Cowles is prosecuting the case while Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls represents Vaillancourt.

This legal action is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The initiative focuses on fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that work to prevent violence.