Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment on October 16, 2024 charging Michael Robistow, 49, of Willis, Texas, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Robistow entered a plea of not guilty to the charges today during an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Robistow be released on conditions pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to court records and statements made at today’s arraignment, on June 9, 2024, U.S. Coast Guard personnel on Lake Champlain boarded Robistow’s vessel, the “Sonata,” to conduct a safety inspection. Robistow and his wife were the only two people aboard the vessel at the time of the Coast Guard boarding. During the inspection, Coast Guard personnel learned of the presence of a firearm in a cabinet in the helm of the vessel. That firearm was temporarily detained for the safety of Coast Guard personnel. After concluding the safety inspection, Coast Guard personnel disembarked the “Sonata.” Shortly thereafter, dispatchers informed the Coast Guard personnel that Robistow had previously been convicted of a felony offense. The Coast Guard personnel therefore reboarded the “Sonata,” and seized 3 firearms: a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield 9x19mm pistol, a Glock Model 19 9x19mm pistol, and a Palmetto Armory PA-15 AR-style rifle. Coast Guard personnel also seized loaded spare magazines for the pistols, and a box of .38 caliber ammunition. The next day, ATF and HSI agents again boarded the “Sonata,” and during a more thorough search, located a bag containing 806 rounds more of ammunition, in 6 different calibers. During their search, ATF agents also observed a 3D printer onboard the “Sonata.”
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Robistow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Robistow faces up to 15 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the vital assistance of Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Robistow is represented by Devin McKnight, Esq.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.