Lyndonville raid yields guns, drugs in multi-agency operation

by Daniel Duric, Newport Dispatch

LYNDONVILLE — Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Vermont Drug Task Force, Vermont State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Lyndonville Police Department, executed a search warrant on Thursday, June 27, resulting in the seizure of an arsenal of weapons and a sizable amount of narcotics.

During the operation, officers confiscated two AR-15-type rifles, five semiautomatic handguns, one revolver, 38 grams of fentanyl, 55 grams of crack cocaine, and an undisclosed amount of cash from a residence in Lyndonville.

The search warrant was part of a larger, ongoing investigation aimed at addressing illicit activities in the area.

Authorities have indicated that the investigation is still active and further details will be released to the public as they become available.

No arrests have been reported at this time, and the names of the individuals involved or additional specifics regarding the operation have not yet been disclosed.

The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the seriousness of the offenses being investigated and the commitment of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession within the community.

Alleged serial burglar nabbed in St. Albans

On July 1, at around 1:32 PM, St. Albans Police responded to a local realty office after a cash register box was found. Upon arrival, officers discovered not only the cash register box but also a carry-all beach bag and a gift card. An investigation revealed these items were stolen from the Little Little Baby & Toddler Shop in St. Albans City, which had been burglarized after business hours on June 29.

The thief, identified as 48-year-old Joshua A. Loura of St. Albans, had made off with the cash register containing an undisclosed amount of money. Further investigation linked Loura to another burglary at Dana’s Barber Shop on June 24, where he stole cash and a toolset.

Loura, who has a lengthy criminal record with 26 felony and 13 misdemeanor convictions, was arrested on July 2. He was taken to Franklin County Superior Court for arraignment and issued a $5,000 Surety Bond before being lodged at the Northwest State Correctional Facility. Additional charges are pending.

Two Sutton residents arrested on outstanding warrants in Lyndonville

by Daniel Duric, Newport Dispatch

LYNDONVILLE — Two Sutton residents were taken into custody on June 29 after a Lyndonville Police Department patrol officer spotted a suspicious vehicle on Depot Street.

The vehicle, previously flagged in a Be On The Lookout (BOLO) notice, contained two occupants who were both wanted on separate warrants.

Alexis Lohr, 30, was operating the vehicle and was wanted on a felony arrest warrant from Rutland Superior Court for forgery.

The passenger, Kristin Lawrence, 39, had an arrest warrant from Caledonia Superior Court for failing to appear on a charge of DUI (#1) – Drugs.

Both Lohr and Lawrence were arrested without incident and subsequently lodged at the Northeast Regional Correctional Facility.

Lohr’s bail was set at $1,000 cash or surety, while Lawrence’s bail was set at $100 cash or surety.

The Vermont State Police provided assistance in the arrests.

The Lyndonville Police Department continues to urge the community to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.