Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 23, 2025, Linoshka Barbosa, 25, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 126 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Barbosa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine and powder cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. She has been detained since her October 15, 2024, guilty plea.
According to court records, between March 2020 and October 2023, Linoshka Barbosa, also known as “Lily,” and “Lilz,” was one of the leaders of a drug distribution conspiracy in the Brattleboro, Vermont area, involving cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, and numerous firearms. Barbosa, a member of a violent gang in Hartford, Connecticut, called “GMS,” was trafficking large quantities of drugs to Brattleboro, often using a driver from a ride-hailing company to transport the controlled substances. Barbosa enlisted several other gang members from Connecticut to assist her in Vermont and the group dealt drugs from various locations in Brattleboro including, 33 Oak Street #4, 14 Birge Street, 135 Elliot Street, and 84 Linden Street. Barbosa also hired numerous people in Vermont to help her sell the drugs. During the conspiracy, Barbosa and her associates traded drugs for guns, and some of those guns were used in shootings in Hartford, Connecticut, including a double homicide in August 2023. Also, on March 30, 2023, a man was shot during a drug dispute at 14 Birge Street in Brattleboro. Investigation later revealed that Elias Lopez, a member of the conspiracy along with Barbosa, was involved in the shooting. Lopez has since pleaded guilty in state court for his role in the shooting, and will be sentenced in federal court on June 2, 2025 for his role in the drug conspiracy.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, the Brattleboro Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
“Linoshka Barbosa utilized firearms to protect her drug operations and fueled violence in our neighborhoods. Her narcotics trafficking and illegal firearm activities posed a serious threat to public safety” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “This case highlights the dangers of illegal firearm and narcotics trafficking. We will continue to stand united with our law enforcement partners to investigate these matters and hold offenders accountable.”
“This prosecution has removed a dangerous offender from our streets and sent a strong message that Vermont does not tolerate those who prey upon our communities and place them at risk,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police. “Thanks to a united effort from federal, state and local law enforcement to stop the trafficking of narcotics and firearms, Vermont is a safer place.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy L. Fuller. Barbosa was represented by David Sleigh, Esq.