United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BURLINGTON, Vt. – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Talbert Hill, who is also known as “T,” and Samuel Bennett, who is also known as “Mellow,” both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were arrested on Friday, November 3, 2023 in or near Burlington, Vermont. Both men have been charged by criminal complaint and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

According to court records, Hill and Bennett are alleged to have distributed fentanyl in and around Burlington over the past few months. The investigation revealed that Hill and Bennett coordinated their activities by using the same cellular phone number to arrange drug sales. Law enforcement surveillance revealed a likely stash house used by Hill and Bennett on Walnut Street in Burlington. Investigators also determined that Bennett was staying at a hotel room in South Burlington. On November 3, 2023, law enforcement arrested Bennett from a car he was operating at the Charlotte, Vermont ferry landing. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of over $10,000 cash from a suitcase in the trunk of Bennett’s car. Later on November 3, 2023, law enforcement attempted to arrest Hill in Burlington. Hill tried to flee, and discarded suspected fentanyl and cocaine base during his flight. Nevertheless, Hill had fentanyl on him when he was apprehended. At the same time as the arrests, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Walnut Street and at an area hotel. In total, agents seized over 17,000 bags of fentanyl (the equivalent of approximately 340 grams) and almost 200 grams of cocaine base.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that criminal complaints contain only allegations and both Hill and Bennett remain presumed innocent until and unless they are convicted of a crime. Both men face a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment on the charges they currently face.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration and thanked the Vermont State Police for their assistance in apprehending Bennett.

The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Owyang and Jonathan Ophardt. Hill is represented by Karen R. Shingler, Esq. Bennett is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.