NEWPORT –– In a multi-faceted case, the Vermont State Police have revealed charges against Baylen Eason, of East Hartford, CT, for fentanyl trafficking. The Orleans Superior Court has granted a $50,000 warrant for Eason’s arrest, with his current location unknown.
Sergeant Daniel Lynch from the Derby Barracks released a photo of Eason today, and urges anyone with information on Eason’s whereabouts to reach out immediately.
The discovery of Eason’s alleged narcotics involvement followed a separate investigation. On August 5, police responded to a fraudulent charge claim from Poulin Lumber in Derby. Reportedly, on August 4, items worth over $1,000, including power and hand tools, were falsely billed to a business account by an individual no longer affiliated with the said company. A subsequent attempt to repeat the illicit transaction on August 5 was thwarted by vigilant store employees.
The probe quickly led officers to a Newport residence suspected of housing the stolen goods. Upon securing the property and conducting a thorough search, the misappropriated items were not only located and returned to their rightful owner, but evidence pointing towards narcotics trafficking was also unearthed.
The extensive operation saw participation from various agencies including the Newport Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and the VT Fish and Wildlife Warden Service Division.
Randy Buzzell, 27, of Newport, was issued a citation to appear in court for the theft-related component of this case.
On August 9, a court-ordered examination of one of the seized items brought more details to light. Police found approximately 640 bags of fentanyl, roughly 30 grams of crack cocaine, and a significant sum of US currency. The narcotics’ street value is estimated around $12,000.
