11/11/2014, press release: Drug Investigation
During the early morning hours of Monday, November 10, 2014 Burlington Police Officers and Detectives executed a search warrant at a house in the City while following up on a drug investigation that had been initiated by Cpl. Tom Chenette. During execution of the warrant contraband and a firearm were found. The suspect, a convicted felon, was taken into custody. As a result of the firearm being located, an Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), who is embedded in the Burlington Police Detective Unit, was contacted.
An interview with the suspect, conducted by Detective Ric Volp and ATF Agent Matthew Ekstrom, began mid-morning and, as it progressed, it revealed fragments of information and evidence. That information and evidence implicated a Colchester Police Detective, Tyler Kinney (38, of Jericho), in providing the firearm and, possibly drugs, to the suspect. Burlington Police continued their investigation through mid-day and evidence continued to mount that the suspects’ statements about Kinney had a factual basis.
At 1 pm Burlington Police contacted the FBI. Through the afternoon and into the evening, BPD Detectives, worked with FBI and ATF Agents, consulting with prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office in Burlington. During the investigation, statements and physical evidence were gathered that supported the arrest of Kinney late in the evening.
Mid-afternoon, Colchester Police Chief Jennifer Morrison was advised of the investigation. From the outset, Colchester Police provided important investigative support, assisting with verifying leads and information that were in their purview. Their assistance was essential to moving this case forward swiftly.
Kinney was lodged late Monday night on a Federal detainer in anticipation of charges being filed Wednesday morning by the United States Attorney’s Office relating to firearms and drug distribution violations.
It is unusual to release information about a Federal case prior to charges being brought in Federal Court. However, given the nature of the case, we have worked with Federal prosecutors to ensure that the public is as fully informed as possible under the circumstances.
Extensive investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Burlington Police or the FBI. Additional information will be available tomorrow in Federal Court.
Address/Location
Burlington, VT Police Department
1 North Ave
Burlington, VT 05401
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 802-658-2704