Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Against Former Vermont Correctional Officer and Inmate for Drug-Related Crimes

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on October 4, 2018, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Grant Vance and Gregory Paradis with drug-related crimes.  The indictment alleges that between early 2018 and June 28 of 2018, Vance and Paradis conspired to distribute buprenorphine, and that on June 28, 2018, Vance possessed with intent to distribute buprenorphine.   

According to court records, Vance was employed as a Correctional Officer at the Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport, Vermont, where Paradis was an inmate.  Informants provided law enforcement with information regarding Vance’s introduction of buprenorphine into the correctional facility and subsequent distribution to Paradis.  Court records also show that a federal search warrant for Vance’s person and vehicle was executed on June 28, 2018.  A magic marker containing suspected buprenorphine was located as a result of the search.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be advised by the federal sentencing guidelines.  The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proved guilty.

United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Vermont State Police, and the Vermont Department of Corrections.

The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Burris. Vance is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender David McColgin.