Shooting victim indicted on drug charges

PORTLAND – A Buxton man who was shot in the leg during an alleged “drug rip-off” home invasion has been indicted on federal drug and weapons charges.

Kristofer Hutchins, 21, was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. If convicted, Hutchins faces up to five years in prison on each charge.

The grand jury also indicted two of the men who police say broke into Hutchins’ house on May 6 and wounded him and his dog.

After police were called to investigate the home invasion, two officers said they smelled marijuana. While Hutchins was on his way to a nearby hospital, a housemate gave them permission to search the residence.

According to court documents, police say they found 1.5 pounds of marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms. Hutchins later told police that the intruders came into his house, shot him and his dog, left the marijuana and mushrooms and drove away.

At a federal court hearing Tuesday, Hutchins hobbled into court on crutches he is using as a result of the gunshot to his leg. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Also indicted Tuesday was Virgil Buzzell Jr. of Portland, 20, who was charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm that was discharged during a drug crime, which has a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence.

Joshua Seavey, 18, of Portland also was indicted Tuesday and charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and using a sawed-off shotgun in a drug crime. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

Other suspects also may be charged, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Dilworth, including some juveniles whose names have not been made public.