Man charged with drug and weapons possession after arrest in North Troy

NORTH TROY — A federal grand jury indicted Andy Soto, 32, of Jersey City, New Jersey, on multiple drug and weapons charges following his arrest in North Troy on July 24.

Soto was charged with four counts, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Soto pleaded not guilty to all charges during his Sept. 3 appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

According to court records, authorities executed a search warrant at a North Troy residence where Soto had been staying. They reportedly found more than 600 grams of suspected cocaine powder, more than 300 grams of suspected cocaine base, more than 700 grams of suspected fentanyl, more than 80 grams of suspected xylazine, approximately $46,000 in cash and five loaded firearms.

Most of the narcotics, cash and a loaded .40-caliber firearm were located in a safe bolted to the floor of Soto’s bedroom.

Soto had been the subject of a lengthy drug investigation, and authorities had made multiple controlled purchases involving him between July and December 2023.

If convicted, Soto faces a minimum sentence of ten years in prison and up to life in prison. He is currently in custody awaiting trial.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest praised the investigative efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Northeast Vermont Drug Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations in this case, which is part of ongoing efforts to address drug and gun trafficking in northeastern Vermont.