A Connecticut woman has been sentenced to a significant federal prison term for her role as a leader in a drug trafficking conspiracy that brought large quantities of narcotics and violence to the Brattleboro, Vermont area.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that on May 23, 2025, Linoshka Barbosa, 25, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to 126 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.
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Barbosa, also known by the aliases “Lily” and “Lilz,” had previously pleaded guilty on October 15, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine, as well as possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. She has remained in detention since her guilty plea.
Court records revealed that between March 2020 and October 2023, Barbosa was a key figure in a drug distribution network operating in and around Brattleboro. As a member of “GMS,” a violent Hartford-based gang, Barbosa orchestrated the trafficking of substantial amounts of drugs from Connecticut to Vermont, frequently utilizing ride-hailing services for transportation.
The conspiracy involved several other gang members from Connecticut whom Barbosa enlisted to assist in Vermont. The group operated from multiple locations in Brattleboro, including addresses at 33 Oak Street #4, 14 Birge Street, 135 Elliot Street, and 84 Linden Street. Barbosa also recruited numerous individuals in Vermont to aid in drug sales.
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Another aspect of the conspiracy involved trading drugs for firearms. Authorities confirmed that some of these illegally obtained guns were later used in shootings in Hartford, Connecticut, tragically, including a double homicide in August 2023. The violence also spilled onto Brattleboro’s streets when, on March 30, 2023, a man was shot during a drug-related dispute at the 14 Birge Street location. Investigations identified Elias Lopez, a co-conspirator, as being involved in that shooting. Lopez has since pleaded guilty in state court for his role in the Brattleboro shooting and is scheduled for federal sentencing on June 2, 2025, for his part in the drug conspiracy.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher lauded the joint efforts of the investigating agencies, which included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Vermont State Police, the Brattleboro Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
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“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,” stated 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.”
Colonel Matthew T. Birmingham, Director of the Vermont State Police, added, “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. 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.”
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