Police say Newport man sold crack cocaine - Barton Chronicle Newspaper

NEWPORT -- Judge Rory Thibault of the Orleans County Superior Court's Criminal Division set bail at $10,000 for Brandon Cote, 34, of Newport, who pleaded not guilty to two felony charges related to the sale of cocaine, as well as possession of cocaine and narcotics. The case stems from an investigation by the Vermont Drug Task Force, involving Cote and a woman believed to be his accomplice in drug sales in the Orleans County area.

Vermont State Police Detective Sergeant Steven Fauteux detailed in the affidavit how their investigation focused on Cote and the woman selling crack cocaine and fentanyl. The task force enlisted the help of a confidential informant who previously cooperated with them and sought leniency in their own legal matters in exchange for information and assistance.

In December 2024, the informant arranged a meeting with Cote to purchase cocaine, equipped with money and recording devices for evidence collection. The task force had successfully collaborated with this informant in prior operations, enhancing the credibility of the information gathered.

During the meeting, officers observed the informant interacting with Cote, as captured by the surveillance efforts of the task force. This investigative technique was designed to establish a clear connection between Cote and the alleged drug activity.

The proceedings in this case are ongoing, and further details will be available in the upcoming editions of local news, emphasizing the community's efforts to tackle drug-related issues in the area.