Morristown Man Indicted for Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Jordan Phelps, 34, of Morristown, Vermont, has been indicted for illegal possession of a firearm while being a user of controlled substances. He was arraigned on March 29, 2024, and United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Phelps detained pending further proceedings.

According to court records, on March 11, 2024, Jordan Phelps called the Morristown Police Department on four occasions and threatened to go to the home of a sworn member of law enforcement. The threatening phone calls were recorded, and law enforcement investigated Phelps. On March 13, 2024, law enforcement executed a state search warrant at Phelps’ residence that led to the seizure of a loaded Marlin Model 336 .30-30 Caliber Rifle from Phelps’ bedroom. Further investigation into Phelps revealed that he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Phelps is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Phelps faces a maximum possible penalty of 15 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Morristown Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig. Phelps is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.