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Explore our coverage of government and politics.

Opioid Crisis—And Related Crime—Top Priority For U.S. Attorney Of Vermont

Christina Nolan
VPR
Christina Nolan was sworn in as the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont on November 27, 2017.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont Christina Nolan says the opioid crisis—including related violence and human trafficking—is a top priority for her office, one she says will emphasize prosecutions to reduce the amount of opioids in the state.

"Prosecution is important," Nolan said. "I do believe that when you prosecute people it cuts back on the supply."

Nolan, sworn in to the job in November, tells Vermont Edition she also wants to emphasize stronger drug prevention measures.

"We need to do anything and everything we can to stop children from taking that first risk,” Nolan said.

To that end, she said her office has aligned itself with prevention efforts across the state. Nolan sits on the Governor’s Opioid Coordination Council prevention sub-committee. She has also met with various organizations to discuss drug prevention, including The Boys & Girls Club and Burlington Prevention Coalition.

Nolan said she wants those struggling with drugs—especially children—to see law enforcement as a resource and symbol of hope. "I think the community needs to see law enforcement on the same page with the rest of the prevention community. Urging kids not to take that first risk, but if they do, don't hide. We're here to help and we want you not to live in the shadows with this."

Nolan said collaboration is also a key to combating opioid use. She's looking for partnerships and collaborative efforts that extend beyond Vermont to local, state and federal officials in bordering states as well as Canada.

"Partnerships [with Canada] are every bit as important as our partnerships in northern New York, in New Hampshire, in Massachusetts, because crime knows no borders," Nolan said.

For those convicted of drug-related offenses, Nolan said her office is working to establish a drug court in Burlington that would take into consideration a defendant's efforts to get clean. A similar federal drug court already operates in Rutland.

Broadcast Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Ric was a producer for Vermont Edition and host of the VPR Cafe.
Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Lydia was an intern with Vermont Edition, spring 2018.
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