By Michael Donoghue
Vermont News First
BURLINGTON — A Swanton man, who officials say hosted a pair of major out-of-state drug dealers, has pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court to a two-count federal indictment, including operating a “crack house” during late 2025.
Nathan Farr, 36, denied in federal court on Friday that he managed and controlled 2465 Frontage Rod in Swanton as an owner and occupant between at least September 29, 2025 and Dec. 4, 2025 when the residence was raided by law enforcement authorities led by Swanton Village Police.
The federal charge maintains he knowingly and intentionally made the home near Lafar Road available for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing, distributing and using crack cocaine.
Farr also denied a separate felony count of knowingly and intentionally distributing crack cocaine on Sept. 29, 2025.
Swanton Police Chief Matthew O. Sullivan said in December authorities seized more than 13 ounces of crack cocaine, almost 1.5 ounces of fentanyl, $2,676 in cash and a Ruger 9-mm pistol with a defaced serial number, which is a federal violation.
Two out-of-state dealers and three local people, including Farr were taken into custody, but state charges against him were not pursued initially as a federal investigation began to unfurl, officials said.
Defense lawyer Christopher Dall asked for 90 days to investigate the charges and to consider filing any pre-trial motions.
Visiting Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller of the Virgin Islands agreed with a Dec. 10 deadline.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana E. Hill said investigators have a series of drug buys, video of the purchases, and various records, including police reports, the search warrant, and lab tests.
Dall said there were adequate conditions that would allow for the release of Farr while awaiting trial.
Miller agreed, citing a report from the U.S. Pre-trial Services Office. She told Farr not to commit any new crimes, refrain from possession of illegal drugs, alcohol and any firearms or weapons. She ordered Farr remain in Vermont, live where directed by Pre-Trial Services, submit to drug testing and appear in court as required.
She warned Farr that a violation of federal release conditions would mean an add on to any sentence, if convicted, on the original charges.
The December raid came after a multi-week investigation by Swanton Village Police. Local officers called in assistance from Vermont State Police, the Grand Isle Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Border Patrol to help execute the court-ordered search warrant.
The primary drug dealers were from Philadelphia, Pa. and Brooklyn, N.Y. and were lodged initially on fentanyl and cocaine trafficking charges, Swanton Police said.
Police across Vermont report more and more out-of-state drug dealers are coming to Vermont to set up shop due to the light sentences by judges in Vermont Superior Court. The dealers befriend a property owner and exchange small amounts of drugs for a couch or bedroom.