Bennington, Vermont — The Bennington Police Department has arrested three individuals following the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Gage Street, concluding an ongoing drug investigation that resulted in the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and cash.
Search Warrant Executed at Known Drug Location
According to police, officers executed a court-authorized search warrant Monday afternoon at 940 Gage Street, a location that investigators identified as a focal point of repeated drug activity. The warrant was the result of a months-long investigation tied to previous arrests, documented drug sales, and a fatal overdose reported at the address in 2024.
The search was carried out at approximately 3 p.m. by members of the Bennington Police Department.
Three Arrested on Felony Drug Charges
As a result of the search, police arrested Matthew Coakley, 41, of Bennington; Melanie Muniz, 46, of Bennington; and Eyesiel Ortega, 26, of Hartford, Connecticut. All three defendants have entered not guilty pleas and were arraigned in court on Tuesday.
Investigators reported that multiple individuals were inside the residence at the time the warrant was executed, including all three defendants.
Large Drug and Cash Seizure Reported
During the search, officers seized a substantial amount of illegal substances and materials consistent with drug trafficking, including:
- Approximately 124 grams of crack cocaine
- Approximately 5 grams of fentanyl
- More than $4,000 in U.S. currency
- Multiple digital scales
- Drug paraphernalia
- Packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution
Police stated the quantity and packaging of the seized drugs indicated distribution-level activity rather than personal use.
Charges Filed Against Each Defendant
Matthew Coakley is facing three felony charges, including fentanyl trafficking, conspiracy to sell cocaine, and conspiracy to sell a regulated drug. If convicted on all counts, he faces a potential 55-year prison sentence. His previously set bail of $10,000 was continued by the court, which he had already posted.
Melanie Muniz is facing five charges, including three felonies for fentanyl trafficking, conspiracy to sell cocaine, and conspiracy to sell a regulated drug. She is also charged with two misdemeanors for the sale of a regulated drug in a residence and violations of conditions of release.
Muniz was already facing three similar felony charges from a September arrest at the same address and was under court-ordered conditions of release at the time of her most recent arrest. In the new case alone, she faces up to 58 years in prison, with an additional 37 years possible in the pending case.
Following arguments from both sides, the court ordered Muniz held without bail until a weight-of-the-evidence hearing can be scheduled.
Courtroom Arguments and Judge’s Ruling
During the arraignment, defense attorney Christopher Montgomery argued for Muniz’s release on her own recognizance, citing her lack of a Vermont criminal record and describing her as an addict with a mental health condition. Montgomery suggested she was being exploited by out-of-town individuals who used her residence to sell drugs.
State’s Attorney Erik Bianchi countered that Muniz was fully aware of the activity taking place, describing the residence as “a public nuisance.” Judge David Barra, filling in for Judge John Valente, agreed with the prosecution and continued the no-bail hold.
Federal Probation Factor in Third Arrest
Eyesiel Ortega is charged with three felonies, including fentanyl trafficking, conspiracy to sell cocaine, and conspiracy to sell a regulated drug. Like Coakley, he faces up to 55 years in prison if convicted.
Court records show Ortega was on federal probation stemming from a prior federal drug and firearms conviction at the time of his arrest. The judge set bail at $500,000, along with strict conditions should he be released.
Investigation Timeline and Background
An affidavit filed in the case outlines how the investigation began after an individual was arrested in July 2024 while in possession of crack cocaine. That arrest led investigators to the Gage Street residence, which had already been linked to multiple drug-related incidents.
Subsequent arrests and surveillance further supported allegations of ongoing drug distribution at the location, ultimately leading to Monday’s search warrant.
Legal Reminder and Ongoing Case
Under Vermont law, all criminal charges are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The cases against Coakley, Muniz, and Ortega remain active and will proceed through the judicial system.
Anyone with information related to drug activity in the Bennington area is encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences or thoughts on community safety in the comments below.
