POWNAL — A two-month drug investigation culminated in the arrest of three Pownal residents on Sept. 5, following the execution of a search warrant by the Vermont State Police and multiple law enforcement agencies at a residence on Vien Road.
The Vermont State Police, alongside the Vermont Drug Task Force, FBI, and local authorities, conducted the operation which led to the apprehension of Christopher Daugherty, 38, James Daugherty, 39, and Danica Hill, 34.
The investigation targeted the distribution of cocaine from the property at 267 Vien Rd.
Confidential informants played a critical role in the investigation, having made controlled purchases of cocaine from Christopher Daugherty on three separate occasions.
The search of the residence revealed evidence of drug use and the presence of several firearms, including a loaded handgun.
Christopher Daugherty is charged with three counts of sale of cocaine.
His brother, James Daugherty, faces a charge for possession of a controlled substance.
Danica Hill is accused of conspiracy in connection with the case.
Following the search, all three were transported to the Vermont State Police barracks in Shaftsbury for processing.
James Daugherty and Hill were released with citations to appear in court on Nov. 4.
Christopher Daugherty was initially held on $5,000 bail at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility and was arraigned in Superior Court in Bennington.
He pleaded not guilty, furnished an unsecured appearance bond of the same amount, and was released under specific conditions.
The Bennington County State’s Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
The Vermont State Police urge anyone with information related to this investigation to contact them at 802-773-9101 or to submit an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
