District of Vermont

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that George Goins, 65, of Johnson, Vermont, made his initial appearance today in United States District Court.  Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, Goins pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.  Goins was detained pending further proceedings in the case. 

According to court records, on June 8, 2022, Goins was arrested following an investigation into a shooting that occurred outside of Goins’ apartment complex in Johnson, Vermont on June 7, 2022.  

In the early morning hours of June 7, 2022, the victim, who lived in the same apartment building as Goins, confronted Goins near his apartment.  Goins took a handgun from his pocket, shot the victim in the neck, and fled.  Law enforcement later obtained a warrant to search Goins’ apartment where they recovered a Smith & Wesson SD9 VE 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  From a riverbank behind the Johnson apartment complex, investigators recovered a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol.  Based on the caliber and characteristics of the weapon, investigators believe that the gun found near the riverbank was used to shoot the victim. The victim was treated at a hospital for injuries and later released.  Goins is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal history.

On June 8, 2022, law enforcement located Goins outside of a hotel in South Burlington, Vermont. Law enforcement recovered fentanyl and cocaine base in Goins’ hotel room.  Goins also had four bags of fentanyl on his person at the time of his arrest.  

If convicted of the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Goins faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine.  For the felon in possession of a firearm charge, Goins faces a maximum sentence of 10 years incarceration and up to a $250,000 fine.  For the drug charge, Goins faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and up to a $1,000,000 fine.  The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

Goins also faces charges for Attempted Murder, Assault, Drug Trafficking, and other offenses in Vermont State Court.  Those charges are being prosecuted by the Office of the State’s Attorney for Lamoille County. 

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Vermont State Police, the Lamoille County Sherriff’s Department, the Morristown Police Department, the South Burlington Police Department, and the Burlington Police Department.  The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig.  Goins is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael L. Desautels.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that seven persons were arrested near Morses Line on October 12, 2022 in connection with what is believed to be an attempt to smuggle individuals without legal status into the United States. Manuel Molina-Romero, 29, a Honduran national who has been living in Texas since 2019 while awaiting an immigration hearing, and Estefany Arreaga-Herrera, 23, a Guatemalan national who has been living in Texas since 2016 while also awaiting an immigration hearing, appeared today in United States District Court in Burlington on a charge that they transported individuals without legal status within the United States.  Two of the five individuals being transported, Carlos Aguiar-Ovando, 23, a Mexican national, and Anvar Ataev, 36, a native of Uzbekistan, both of whom have no legal status in the United States, also appeared in court today on a charge that they unlawfully entered the country.  United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered that all four defendants be detained pending further court proceedings.  The other three individuals arrested on October 12, all without legal status in the United States, were taken into immigration custody for expedited removal from the United States.  

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the criminal complaints are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.  The transportation charge is punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.  The unlawful entry charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months of imprisonment.  The actual sentences on the felony charges would be determined with reference to United States Sentencing Guidelines.  

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human smuggling organizations. 

Molina-Romero is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.  Arreaga-Herrera is represented by Devin McLaughlin, Esq.  Aguiar-Ovando is represented by Bob Behrens, Esq., and Ataev is represented by William Kraham, Esq.  The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated Leon Delima, 34, of South Burlington, Vermont appeared in United States District Court today on charges related to his possession of a firearm and controlled substances. According to documents filed in the case, Delima, a multi-time felon, possessed over 30 grams of cocaine and discharged a firearm in Burlington on July 2, 2022. Following a brief appearance today, Delima was detained pending further proceedings in the case.

If convicted of the charges, Delima would face maximum sentences of up to 15 years for knowing possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense and up to 20 years for possessing cocaine with an intent to distribute it. Any actual sentence would be determined in consultation with the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The indictment is an accusation only, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

The United States Attorney’s Office credited the Burlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force for their work in investigating the case and arresting Delima.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles represents the United States. Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls represented Delima at the arraignment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on October 14, 2022, Deyquan Martin, 21, of Burlington, Vermont, appeared in United States District Court in Burlington for an arraignment on a three-count indictment charging him with enticement of a minor as well as the receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. Martin had previously appeared before in United States District Court in Burlington on September 23, 2022, and after a detention hearing on September 27, 2022, Martin was released on conditions requiring home detention, location monitoring, and monitored electronics use, among other items. 

According to court documents, Martin met a twelve-year old minor through an online video game and, using an online messaging platform, induced the minor to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos of herself.  Martin later threatened the minor that he would publish the sexually explicit material already received unless the minor sent him additional sexually explicit photographs and videos of the minor.  

On September 22, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Burlington Police Department, Vermont’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the New Jersey State Police, executed a search warrant at Martin’s Burlington residence.  In searching Martin’s residence, law enforcement found sexually explicit photographs of the twelve-year old minor as well as child sexual abuse material of another minor on Martin’s computer.  Following the search, law enforcement placed Martin under arrest.   

If convicted of the charges, Martin would face maximum sentences of up to life imprisonment for enticement of a minor, up to 10 years for receipt of child sexual abuse material, and up to 10 years for possession of child sexual abuse material.  Any actual sentence would be determined in consultation with the United States Sentencing Guidelines.  The indictment is an accusation only, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The United States Attorney’s Office credited Homeland Security Investigations, Burlington Police Department, Vermont’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the New Jersey State Police for their work and collaboration on this case. 

Martin is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven L. Barth.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Gilman represents the United States.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that David Tom, 38, of Barre, Vermont, was sentenced to serve 2 years of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  United States District Court Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Tom to serve a two-year term of supervised release after his incarceration.

According to court records, Tom was in a vehicle that was stopped by Vermont State Police on January 28, 2022, in Barre.  The stop occurred because of a suspected invalid registration and an inoperable taillight.  After officers observed drug paraphernalia, a K9 alerted on the vehicle.  A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of a Hi Point .380 ACP semi-automatic handgun from inside Tom’s backpack.  At the time of the traffic stop, Tom was subject to conditions of release in multiple pending State of Vermont criminal matters and was subject to a 24-hour curfew.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Montpelier Police Department.  He also thanked the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.  Tom was represented by Mary Nerino, Esq., of the Office of the Federal Public Defender. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Jose Luis Maldonado, Jr., 31, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Edgar Correa, 34, of Springfield, Massachusetts, were arrested on Wednesday evening and charged today by criminal complaint.  Both men were charged with possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl, and carrying and using firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.  Both men are scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle tomorrow afternoon.

According to court records, law enforcement conducting surveillance on Robbins Street in Rutland, Vermont noticed a man, later identified as Maldonado, carrying a black shotgun with a pistol grip, walking with another man, later identified as Correa, toward a white Honda Civic.  The two men put bags in the trunk of the Honda Civic and drove away.  Rutland Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.  During the traffic stop, officers learned there were four firearms in the vehicle, including the black shotgun in the trunk, a .380 caliber pistol beneath Correa’s seat, a .38 Special revolver between Correa’s seat and the center console, and a .22 caliber pistol between Maldonado’s seat and the center console.  A search of the vehicle revealed two bags, containing approximately 24 grams of cocaine base, approximately 7 grams of cocaine, and over 550 bags of fentanyl.  When Correa was searched incident to arrest, he was found in possession of a digital scale and a firearm magazine loaded with .380 caliber ammunition.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that both Maldonado and Correa are presumed innocent until and unless convicted of a crime.  

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the coordinated investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, the Rutland Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.  Maldonado is represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.  Correa is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that five persons were arrested near Morses Line on October 9, 2022 in connection with what is believed to be an attempt to smuggle individuals without legal status into the United States.  Angel Hernandez-Pineda, 32, a Honduran national who has no immigration status in the United States, and Jhony Cantarero-Vasquez, 29, of Worcester, MA, appeared yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington on a charge that they attempted to transport individuals without legal status within the United States.  Federico Rincon-Ramirez, Leydi Rincon-Sosa, and Jairo Alberto Ortiz-Acevedo, who are all citizens of Mexico and without legal status in the United States, also appeared in court yesterday on charges that they unlawfully entered the country.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle released Cantarero-Vasquez on conditions; ordered that Hernandez-Pineda be detained pending a further hearing on October 14; and ordered detention of the three individuals without legal status pending trial. 

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the criminal complaints are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.

The attempted transportation charge is punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.  The unlawful entry charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months of imprisonment.  The actual sentences would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.  

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human smuggling organizations. 

Hernandez-Pineda is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino.  Cantarero-Vasquez is represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq.  Rincon-Ramirez is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. Rincon-Sosa is represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq. Ortiz-Acevedo is represented by Jordana Levine, Esq.  The prosecutor in this case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Ashley Lobdell, 25, of Rutland, Vermont was arrested last night for interfering with commerce by robbery.  Lobdell was charged today by Criminal Complaint, and is scheduled to appear tomorrow before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

According to court records, Lobdell is accused of robbing the Jolley Mart store located at 128 Grove Street on September 25, 2022.  Lobdell is alleged to have displayed a large steak knife to the clerk, and demanded cash from the register.  Investigators were able to use surveillance video from the area of the robbery to identify Lobdell as the robber.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Criminal Complaint contains allegations only and that Lobdell remains presumed innocent until and unless she is convicted of a crime.  Lobdell faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment on the robbery charge.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Rutland City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.  

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.  Lobdell is represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that David R. Markie, 40, of Rutland, Vermont was arrested last night for interfering with commerce by robbery.  Markie was charged today by Criminal Complaint, and is scheduled to appear tomorrow before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

According to court records, Markie is accused of robbing the Jiffy Mart store located at 215 North Main Street in Rutland on October 3, 2022.  Markie is alleged to have worn a lime-green face covering in the store while displaying a knife and demanding cash from the register.  Investigators were able to locate the distinctive mask and to link Markie to discarded clothing consistent with the clothing worn by the robber.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Criminal Complaint contains allegations only and that Markie remains presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted of a crime.  Markie faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment on the robbery charge.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Rutland City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.  

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.  Markie is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Tiffany Fisk, 33, of Barre, Vermont, was sentenced today to serve 18 months in prison after her conviction for distributing fentanyl.  Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Fisk to serve a three-year term of supervised release after her incarceration.    

According to court records, in October of 2021 and January of 2022, Fisk distributed fentanyl and cocaine base in Washington County, Vermont to a confidential informant assisting law enforcement.  

On January 28, 2022, Fisk and her husband David Tom were in a vehicle stopped by the Vermont State Police.  A search of their vehicle revealed Tom to be unlawfully in possession of a firearm.  As part of Fisk’s sentencing for drug distribution, she admitted to attempting to obstruct the investigation of her husband by promising cocaine base to a person in exchange for that person making false statements to the Vermont State Police regarding who owned the seized firearm.  Tom has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  Tom is scheduled to be sentenced on October 17, 2022.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Montpelier Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.    

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt handled the prosecution.  Fisk was represented by John Mabie, Esq.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that today, Jerry Banks, 35, of Fort Garland, Colorado was charged with a murder-for-hire conspiracy and the kidnapping of Gregory Davis, a resident of Danville, Vermont, on January 6, 2018, resulting in Davis’s death. Banks was added as a defendant to the murder-for-hire conspiracy case already pending against Serhat Gumrukcu, 39, of Los Angeles, California, and Berk Eratay, 36, of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Following an exhaustive investigation by detectives with the Vermont State Police and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement obtained a criminal complaint in April 2022 that charged Banks with kidnapping Davis. According to the complaint affidavit, Banks arrived at Davis’s Danville residence on the evening of January 6, 2018, posing as a United States Marshal claiming to arrest Davis. Davis was found dead the next day in a snowbank on a Barnet, Vermont road several miles from the Davis residence. 

In May 2022, in a separate case, the grand jury charged Gumrukcu and Eratay with conspiring in a murder-for-hire scheme, resulting in Davis’s death. According to court records, Gumrukcu and Davis were involved in a business dispute at the time of Davis’s murder. Court records outline evidence that Eratay contacted Aron Ethridge, on Gumrukcu’s behalf, to find someone to kill Davis. Ethridge then enlisted Banks as the hitman. Court records allege that Eratay paid Ethridge over $100,000 to murder Davis. 

On May 24, 2022, Gumrukcu was arrested in Los Angeles and Eratay was arrested in Las Vegas. Both have been held in custody since that date. Gumrukcu was arraigned on the murder-for-hire conspiracy charge today in United States District Court in Burlington in front of Chief Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford. Last week, Judge Crawford denied Eratay’s request to be released from custody pending trial. Ethridge has pleaded guilty to hiring Banks to murder Davis and conspiring to kidnap Davis. 

The charges in the superseding indictment carry a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. The superseding indictment contains accusations only, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Van de Graaf and Jonathan Ophardt. Banks is represented by Michael Desautels and Mary Nerino from the Federal Public Defender’s Office. Ethridge is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq. Eratay is represented by Robert Katims, Esq. Gumrukcu is represented by David Kirby, Esq.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont State Police for their collaborative investigation of Davis’s murder. U.S. Attorney Kerest also thanked the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations for assisting in the ongoing investigation. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Sami Hayyat, 47, of Middlebury, Vermont, was arrested on Wednesday evening and charged yesterday by criminal complaint.  Hayyat was charged with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base on September 28, 2022.  Hayyat is scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle this afternoon.   

According to court records, the Middlebury Police Department initiated a drug trafficking investigation of Hayyat earlier this month.  Middlebury Police coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations to assist with the investigation.  On the afternoon of September 28, 2022, Hayyat was located driving in Rutland, Vermont by a Rutland City Police Officer.  During a subsequent traffic stop, the officer observed that Hayyat was operating the vehicle without the mandated interlock device as required by Hayyat’s restricted driver’s license.  Hayyat was arrested for this violation and, based on additional information provided by Middlebury Police, Hayyat’s vehicle was searched by federal agents.  The search revealed approximately 279 baggies of suspected fentanyl, approximately 4 grams of suspected cocaine, and approximately 43 grams of suspected cocaine base.  Agents also seized from Hayyat’s vehicle drug packaging, a digital scale, a single round of ammunition, and a firearm holster.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Hayyat is presumed innocent until and unless convicted of a crime.  

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the coordinated investigatory efforts of the Middlebury Police Department, the Rutland City Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.  

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.  Hayyat is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on September 23, 2022, Tyrish Stevenson, 48, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss to 37 months’ imprisonment and a 3-year term of supervised release for distributing cocaine base on September 9, 2021.

According to court records, throughout August and September 2021, investigators with the Burlington Police Department, with the assistance of members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Burlington Resident Office, conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from traffickers who were working together in Burlington, Vermont.  

As part of this investigation, on September 9, 2021, a confidential informant purchased cocaine base from Stevenson in downtown Burlington.  On September 23, 2021, investigators apprehended multiple traffickers involved in drug distribution, including Stevenson, who admitted to possessing with intent to distribute over 16 grams of cocaine base found nearby at the time of Stevenson’s arrest.  That day, investigators also executed a search warrant at a Church Street residence in downtown Burlington.  Within the Church Street residence, investigators recovered over 40 grams of cocaine base and over 18 grams of fentanyl, which Stevenson, with others, admitted to possessing with intent to distribute.  Investigators also recovered a Mossberg .410 pump shotgun and a Savage Arms .22 Long Rifle from the Church Street residence.     

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Burlington Police Department as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, Burlington Resident Office, in the investigation and prosecution of Stevenson.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Gilman.  Stevenson was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth, Esq.

The United States Attorney’s Office, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, and the Rutland Area NAACP will be co-hosting a Hate-Free Vermont Forum in Bennington on September 28, 2022, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. 

“The Forum aims to bring policymakers, stakeholders, and community members together for productive and difficult conversations that will work to reduce animus, discord, and misunderstandings,” said co-facilitator Etan Nasreddin-Longo. “When we began these conversations in 2019, our goal was to take the pulse of Vermonters’ experience of discrimination. Much has happened since that time, and our hope is to engage and to listen to our historically-disadvantaged communities about what they view as the continuing and new problems in 2022.”

Community members are encouraged to join us for a conversation on understanding and addressing bias, discrimination, and hate crimes in Vermont. 

When: Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: The Forum will be hosted in-person and also remotely.

•  Physical location: Mount Anthony Union High School, Cafeteria, 301 Park St, Bennington, VT 05201 
•  Remote registration link: bit.ly/3Sm1Deq1 
•  In-person registration link (optional): bit.ly/3RVUnRY

Who: All are welcome. 

For physical attendance, masks are requested. Registration is required for remote attendance.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on September 8, 2022, the Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Dominique Troupe (also known as “Wop” and “Juice”), 35, of Colchester with one count of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base.  

According to court filings, Troupe was arrested Wednesday evening as he got off the ferry in Grand Isle, after travelling to New York to obtain crack cocaine for distribution in Vermont.  He was arrested with more than 200 grams (including packaging) of cocaine base in the trunk of his vehicle.  

At the time of his arrest, Troupe was subject to conditions imposed last month by Chittenden Superior Court Criminal Division in connection with a pending prosecution in that court for Aggravated Assault and Burglary.  The state-court-imposed conditions required Troupe to stay at his Colchester residence, subject to certain exceptions.  

The United States has moved for Troupe to be detained during the pendency of his prosecution.  He will be arraigned on the indictment and the Court is expected to take up the question of pre-trial detention at a hearing scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.  

The indictment is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  If convicted, Troupe faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison.  Any sentence imposed, would be informed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines.     

Troupe is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq.  The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michael Drescher.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on September 7, 2022, Stephen Salyer, 42, formerly of Underhill, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont to serve 40 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of being in possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.  Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Salyer to serve a three-year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment.  

According to court records and proceedings, on September 21, 2021, the Winooski, Vermont Police Department received a report that a man was in possession of a firearm on a public street.  Officers responded and encountered Salyer.  Upon discovering that Salyer was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant, officers took him into custody.  At that time, they discovered that Salyer was in possession of a 9mm High Point Luger C9 handgun.  In 2019, Salyer had been convicted of Assault and Robbery with a Weapon and Eluding Law Enforcement Officer – Negligent Operation.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Winooski, Vermont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives in the investigation and prosecution of Salyer.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson handled the prosecution of Salyer.  Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara M. Puls represented Salyer.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn
 

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Pamela Yandow, 50, of Swanton, Vermont, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont to two years’ imprisonment for distributing cocaine base in October of 2021.  Yandow had been released from federal prison in April of 2021 and was on supervised release when she committed this offense.  Chief U.S. District Court Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also sentenced Yandow to another two years’ imprisonment, to be served consecutively, for violating the terms of her supervised release.  

According to court records, Yandow began violating the terms of her supervised release by using narcotics within weeks of her release from Bureau of Prisons custody.  Then in October of 2021, Yandow distributed cocaine base, commonly known as “crack,” on multiple occasions to a confidential informant at or near her residence in Swanton.  Yandow’s extensive criminal history dates back to 1996, and includes a 2003 federal conviction for bank fraud, a 2013 state conviction for narcotics distribution, and a 2019 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base.  Yandow received an 84-month prison sentence in 2019 but sought and obtained compassionate release in April 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the St. Albans Police Department.  He also thanked the Swanton Police Department, the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Border Patrol for their assistance.

The United States was represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Yandow was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara M. Puls.

The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Daniel Chase, 61, of Weathersfield, Vermont was sentenced today in United States District Court in Rutland to one year of probation following his guilty plea to a charge that he made false statements to the Social Security Administration.  Chief U.S. District Court Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Chase to pay $2602 in restitution.  

In May 2021, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned an indictment charging Chase with three counts of making false statements to the Social Security Administration.  In June 2020, Chase’s spouse, who had been receiving Social Security disability payments, died.  Upon learning of the spouse’s death, SSA stopped the spouse’s monthly payment, which was about $867.  According to the indictment, in an effort to get his spouse’s benefit payments reinstated, Chase repeatedly made false claims to SSA that he was the spouse, that he was alive and that the payments had been wrongly terminated.  Chase also submitted forged documents to SSA purportedly as proof that the spouse was alive.  

This case was investigated by SSA’s Office of Inspector General and Vermont’s Department of Children and Families.

Chase is represented by Ian Carleton, Esq. and Devin McKnight, Esq.  The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on August 29, 2022, Tyler Branon, 33, of Winooski, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont to serve 45 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Branon to serve a three year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment.  

According to court records and proceedings, in January 2021, Branon was asked to drive a man from Colchester, Vermont, to St. Albans, Vermont, so the man could consummate a drug deal.  Specifically, the man was to buy approximately one-quarter ounce of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and was to sell Percocet pills in exchange for a firearm.  Branon agreed and drove the man to St. Albans, where the drug transaction took place.  Upon their return to Colchester, the man gave Branon crack cocaine as compensation and gave the firearm to Branon to hold.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Winooski, Vermont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives in the investigation and prosecution of Branon.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson handled the prosecution of Branon.  Michael Shklar, Esq., represented Branon.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Nector Armando Garcia Perez, 26, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Deisy Del Cid Reyes, 27, of Falls Church, Virginia, were arrested yesterday and will appear tomorrow in federal court on a charge alleging that, on or about August 26, 2022, they unlawfully transported an individual they knew to have entered the United States illegally. Garcia Perez is a national of Guatemala, and Del Cid Reyes is a national of El Salvador.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that a criminal complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. As currently charged, each defendant would face up to 5 years of imprisonment if convicted. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their quick response and investigation of Garcia Perez and Del Cid Reyes, and their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human-smuggling organizations. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt represents the United States in this case. Garcia Perez is represented by the Federal Public Defender’s Office.  Del Cid Reyes is represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Paul Emerson, 38, of Groton, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday in Rutland, Vermont by Chief Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont to time served to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for his possession of three items of child sexual abuse materials (formerly called “child pornography”). 

Emerson pleaded guilty to the charged possession in March of 2022 and has been on pre-trial release since that time. 

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its work on the matter. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Assistant United States Attorney Eugenia Cowles represented the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino represented Mr. Emerson.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Kendall Liberty, 21, of South Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced today to 6 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three months of home confinement and two years of supervised release, following his conviction for possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of controlled substances. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III announced the sentence following a hearing in the federal courthouse in Burlington. At the conclusion of the hearing, Liberty was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service to begin his sentence.

According to court records, Liberty pleaded guilty to the firearm offense on December 20, 2021.  The defendant acknowledged having purchased a 7.62-millimeter AK-style rifle from Powderhorn Outdoor Sports Center in Williston, Vermont in September 2020.  The defendant further acknowledged having consumed marijuana on a frequent and regular basis between September 2020 and his arrest on July 20, 2021.  As described in the complaint affidavit, witnesses indicated that Liberty also frequently used cocaine, ecstasy, and alprazolam (Xanax) during that period.  Witnesses also described Liberty having made threats to use the firearm against others, including at a hospital, at Oakledge Park, and at a school.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the South Burlington Police Department for their quick response and ongoing support in the case, and he thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for its assistance in the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher handled the prosecution. Liberty was represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Donald McCandless, 43, formerly of Norfolk, Virginia, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 42 months’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he attempted to rob the Vermont Federal Credit Union in Burlington last June. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered that McCandless serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. McCandless has been detained since he first appeared in federal court last June.

According to court records, McCandless entered VFCU with an object in his pocket, stated he had a bomb, and demanded money.  McCandless then approached a teller window and began punching the plexiglass barrier, knocking items off the counter.  A customer conducting business at the bank grabbed McCandless and began pulling McCandless toward the exit of the bank.  McCandless was given $10 in cash by a patron, and McCandless left the bank.  Burlington Police Officers who responded to a 911 call and alarm at VFCU encountered McCandless on College Street wearing clothing consistent with that described by witnesses of the attempted robbery.  McCandless was found with two $5 bills in his hand, and McCandless reported having been “doing meth” earlier in the day.  At the time of his arrest, McCandless had a nonextraditable arrest warrant issued in Norfolk, Virginia for violating a term of probation imposed as part of his sentence for a 2020 conviction for felony strangulation. In the week prior to the attempted robbery, McCandless had multiple encounters with Burlington and South Burlington Police and was cited by South Burlington Police earlier on the day of the robbery for trespassing onto the Vermont Air National Guard Base with a knife. 

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the quick response and investigation of the Burlington Police Department and thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its assistance.  

The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ang. McCandless is represented by Assistant Federal Defender Steven Barth.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Alex Alejandro-Cordero (also known as Alejandro Guerro-Soto and Enio Alejandro Cordero), 36, of Adelphi, Maryland, appeared on Friday, August 19, 2022, in federal court on a charge alleging that, on or about August 18, 2022, he unlawfully transported an individual he knew to have entered the United States illegally. Upon the motion of the United States, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Alejandro-Cordero detained pending further proceedings in the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that a criminal complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. As currently charged, Alejandro-Cordero would face up to 5 years of imprisonment if convicted. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their quick response and investigation of Alejandro-Cordero and their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human-smuggling organizations. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher represents the United States in this case. Alejandro-Cordero is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels, Esq.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Lucio Carrillo-Genis, 34, and Alejandro Carrillo-Linares, 32, both of Martinsville, Indiana, were indicted on Thursday, August 18, 2022, by a federal grand jury on a charge of unlawfully attempting to transport individuals they knew to have entered the United States illegally. Carrillo-Genis and Carrillo-Linares were arraigned in United States District Court in Burlington this afternoon, where they both entered pleas of not guilty. They both remain detained pending further proceedings pursuant to a prior detention order issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment is an accusation only and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. As currently charged, Carillo-Genis and Carrillo-Linares would each face up to 5 years of imprisonment if convicted. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their investigation and apprehension of Carrillo-Genis and Carrillo-Linares and their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human-smuggling organizations. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher represents the United States in this case. Carrillo-Genis is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. Carrillo-Linares is represented by Allan Sullivan, Esq.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Marissa Byrd, 30, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday to a two-year period of probation after her conviction for providing false or fictitious statements to a federally licensed dealer of firearms in connection with her acquisition of a firearm.  United States District Judge Christina Reiss announced the sentence following a hearing in the federal courthouse in Burlington.

According to court records, Byrd pleaded guilty to the offense on April 29, 2022.  The defendant acknowledged having purchased a firearm from Parro’s Gun Shop in Waterbury, Vermont in March 2021 at the request of another individual, who provided her money to complete the purchase.  After acquiring the handgun, Byrd transferred it to the other individual, whom Byrd knew was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.  As part of the purchase of the firearm, Byrd completed an ATF form falsely indicating that she was the actual purchaser of the firearm.  This type of offense is commonly known as “straw purchasing,” and it is punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment.

At the sentencing hearing, both the government and defense counsel recommended a probationary sentence in light of, among other things, Byrd’s prompt acceptance of responsibility for her offense and her performance on pretrial release during the pendency of this case.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher handled the prosecution. Byrd was represented by David Kirby, Esq.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Edward Lamson, 22, of Winooski, Vermont, was indicted on Thursday, August 4, 2022 by a federal grand jury for unlawful receipt of a firearm while he was under felony indictment.  Lamson was arraigned in United States District Court on August 9, 2022 and was detained pending trial following a hearing on August 10, 2022.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Lamson remains presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted of a crime.  If convicted, Lamson faces up to 5 years of imprisonment.  Any actual sentence would be determined by the Court with reference to the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Burlington Police Department. 

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant United States Attorney Eugenia Cowles.  Lamson is represented by Michael J. Straub, Esq.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Aaron Dang, 19, of Burlington, Vermont, was indicted on Thursday, August 4, 2022 by a federal grand jury for unlawful possession of a stolen firearm. In the same indictment, Badal Khadka, 19, of Essex Junction, Vermont, was charged with making a false statement to an agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Dang and Khadka were arraigned in United States District Court on August 8, 2022, and both men were released on conditions pending trial.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Dang and Khadka remain presumed innocent until and unless they are convicted of a crime.  If convicted, Dang faces up to 10 years of imprisonment on the stolen firearm possession charge.  Khadka faces up to 5 years of imprisonment on the false statement charge.  Any actual sentences would be determined by the Court with reference to the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the ATF and the Burlington Police Department. 

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant United States Attorney Wendy L. Fuller.  Dang is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq. Khadka is represented by Richard Goldsborough, Esq. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Fahad Hilowle, 28, of Burlington, Vermont, was indicted on Thursday, August 4, 2022 by a federal grand jury for unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon.  Hilowle was arraigned in United States District Court on August 9, 2022 and was detained pending trial following a hearing on August 10, 2022.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Hilowle remains presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted of a crime.  If convicted, Hilowle faces up to 10 years of imprisonment.  Any actual sentence would be determined by the Court with reference to the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Burlington Police Department. 

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant United States Attorney Wendy L. Fuller.  Hilowle is represented by Mark D. Oettinger, Esq.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Kimberly Kuncz, 53, of Montpelier, Vermont, and Frederick Campbell II, 19, of Detroit, Michigan, were arrested yesterday and charged today by criminal complaint.  Kuncz was charged with distributing cocaine base on June 23, 2022.  Campbell was charged with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base on August 4, 2022.  Both defendants will appear before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle in the near future.   

According to court records, the Vermont Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine base from Kuncz on June 23, 2022 in Berlin, Vermont.  Thereafter, significant drug activity was observed at Kuncz’s residence located at 19 George Street in Montpelier, Vermont.  On August 1, 2022, a federal search warrant was obtained for Kuncz’s George Street residence.  On the morning of August 4, 2022, in anticipation of executing the search warrant, law enforcement was conducting surveillance of the George Street residence.  A rented black Ford F-150 was seen leaving 19 George Street at approximately 5:30 a.m. and was observed speeding on multiple occasions.  After a traffic stop, Campbell was identified as the driver.  The search of 19 George Street established probable cause that there were drugs in the F-150, and a search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure from under the driver’s seat of a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, with 14 rounds of ammunition including a round in the chamber.  A search of Campbell’s person resulted in the seizure of approximately 7 grams of cocaine base.  In addition, the search of Kuncz’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 78 grams of suspected cocaine base, 2.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine, $2,000 in cash, and digital scales.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Kuncz and Campbell are presumed innocent until and unless convicted of a crime.  

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Montpelier Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Kerest also thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Northfield Police Department, the State of Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Vermont Capitol Police for their assistance during yesterday’s search warrant execution.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.  Kuncz is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.  Campbell is represented by Gregory Mertz, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.  For more information, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Addiel Santini, 20, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to serve 6 months in prison after his conviction for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base. United States District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Santini to serve a three-year term of supervised release after his incarceration.

As Santini admitted in his guilty plea hearing, the Lyndonville Police Department (LPD) entered an apartment on Center Street in Lyndon, Vermont on June 26, 2021. Santini was the only person found in the sole bedroom of the apartment. Later that same day, LPD obtained a search warrant for the apartment. According to court records, during execution of that search warrant, in the bedroom that Santini had been occupying, law enforcement found approximately 3,670 bags of fentanyl-laced heroin, 6.187 grams of cocaine base, 34.54 grams of cocaine, and $5,695 in U.S. currency.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Vermont Drug Task Force of the Vermont State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Lyndonville Police Department.  

Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly G. Ang handled the prosecution. Santini was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Marco Salvedra-Espinoza (also known as Marco Saavedra Espinosa), 42, of the Bronx, New York, appeared today in federal court on a charge alleging that, on or about July 27, 2022, he unlawfully transported individuals he knew to have entered the United States illegally. Upon the motion of the United States, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Salvedra-Espinoza detained pending further proceedings in the case.  

According to public documents in the case, on the night of July 27, 2022, an agent with the United States Border Patrol was patrolling an area of the international border with Canada and stopped a vehicle registered to a rental company with Virginia-based plates. The driver, Salvedra-Espinoza, claimed he was in the area to pick up friends. Further investigation showed that Salvedra-Espinoza is a Mexican national who had been previously removed from the United States and that he did not have current legal status in the United States. The two back-seat passengers were also identified as Mexican citizens, and they ultimately admitted they had just entered the United States illegally from Canada after paying thousands of dollars to be smuggled into the country. The passengers have been charged with illegal entry into the United States, a misdemeanor, in a related case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that a criminal complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. As currently charged, Salvedra-Espinoza would face up to 5 years of imprisonment if convicted. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the agents of the United States Border Patrol for their investigation of Salvedra-Espinoza and their continued efforts to prevent the exploitation of foreign nationals by human-smuggling organizations. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher represents the United States in this case. Salvedra-Espinoza is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Blakely H. Jenkins, Sr., 61, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, was sentenced today to one year and one day of imprisonment for evading taxes and committing identity theft while running his St. Johnsbury-based painting business, Blake Jenkins Painting, Inc.  United States District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Jenkins to serve a two-year term of supervised release.

In February 2022, Jenkins pleaded guilty to two counts of evasion of employment taxes and one count of identity theft.  According to court records and proceedings, Jenkins evaded employment taxes from mid-2015 to mid-2020 by paying his employees “off the books” wages either in cash or in checks falsely denoted as being for non-wage purposes.  Jenkins took a number of steps to execute this plan, including falsifying records, creating bogus documents, and signing another person’s name without permission.  Every employment tax return that Jenkins’ company submitted to the Internal Revenue Service during this period contained false information that significantly underreported the amounts that Jenkins actually paid his employees.  In total, Jenkins’ company failed to report over $1.3 million in employee wages, resulting in over $340,000 in unpaid federal taxes.  

“Investigating and prosecuting white collar offenses is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest.  “We will continue to work closely with the Criminal Division of the Internal Revenue Service and our other excellent law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who line their own pockets at the expense of others, whether by avoiding their tax obligations, collecting benefits to which they are not entitled, or defrauding victim individuals or companies.”

“The IRS Criminal Investigation Division takes these violations of law very seriously,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office.  “By not reporting all wages to the IRS, hardworking employees may not have access to all of the Social Security, Medicare and Unemployment Compensation they are entitled to receive. Employers have an obligation to their employees to not only accurately report all wages, but to pay over all tax withholdings.  Investigating employment tax fraud is a priority for the special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation as we strive to protect the trust that individuals put in their employers to make sure their future benefits are secure.”

The United States was represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate.  Jody Frey, Esq. represented the defendant.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Markus Saez, 28, of Bloomfield, Connecticut, was sentenced today to serve 54 months in prison after his conviction for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine.  United States District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Saez to serve a three-year term of supervised release after his incarceration.    

According to court records, in the fall of 2020, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Saez with the help of a confidential informant.  On December 7, 2020, DEA agents arrested Saez while he was in the middle of a drug sale in the parking lot of a hotel in Colchester.  A search of Saez’s person resulted in the seizure of $1,106 and a hotel key card for Saez’s room.  Agents obtained a search warrant from a federal magistrate judge for the room, resulting in the seizure of approximately 40 grams of fentanyl, 70 grams of cocaine and cocaine base, cutting agents, drug packaging materials, and over $11,000 in cash.

At the sentencing hearing, the government requested a 70-month sentence, citing defendant Saez’s multiple prior convictions for selling narcotics and his June 2021 arrest in East Hartford, Connecticut for unlawfully possessing and brandishing a loaded firearm, which occurred while he was on pretrial conditions of release in the Vermont federal case.  Saez’s prosecution in Connecticut for firearm offenses remains pending.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Winooski Police Department and the Burlington Police Department.    

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt handled the prosecution.  Saez was represented by Gregory Mertz, Esq.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on July 29, 2022, Christopher Rivers, 28, of Coney Island, New York, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss to 30 months’ imprisonment and a 3-year term of supervised release for distributing cocaine base on September 21, 2021.

As indicated in court records, throughout August and September 2021, investigators with the Burlington Police Department, with the assistance of members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Burlington Resident Office, conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from traffickers who were working together in Burlington, Vermont.  

As part of this investigation on September 21, 2021, a confidential informant purchased cocaine base from Rivers in downtown Burlington.  On September 23, 2021, investigators apprehended multiple traffickers involved in drug distribution, including Rivers.  That day, investigators also executed a search warrant at a Church Street residence in downtown Burlington.  Within the Church Street residence, investigators recovered over 40 grams of cocaine base and over 18 grams of fentanyl, which Rivers, with others, admitted to possessing with intent to distribute.  Investigators also recovered a Mossberg .410 pump shotgun and a Savage Arms .22 Long Rifle from the Church Street residence.     

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Burlington Police Department as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, Burlington Resident Office, in the investigation and prosecution of Rivers.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Gilman.  Rivers was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Ralph Mariani (a.k.a. “D”), 28, of West Hartford, Connecticut was sentenced on July 20, 2022 in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont by Chief Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to 70 months of imprisonment.  Mariani had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base in the Rutland, Vermont area.  Judge Crawford also ordered that Mariani serve three years of supervised release by the U.S. Probation Office after he serves his term of imprisonment.  

Mariani’s three codefendants, Cedano Brownswell of Hartford, Connecticut, Rashane Wedderburn of Hartford, Connecticut, and Jasmine Wendell of West Rutland, Vermont, have all pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offenses and are awaiting sentencing.  

According to court records and proceedings, on November 18, 2020, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant for an apartment on Traverse Place in Rutland, Vermont.  Mariani, Wedderburn, Brownswell, and Wendell were all present at the time of this search.  Law enforcement seized approximately 72 grams of powder cocaine, 45 grams of cocaine base, 69 bags of fentanyl, and 52 Oxycodone pills.  The search also resulted in the seizure of four firearms, including a loaded 9mm pistol located on the living room couch.  Law enforcement also seized a total of over six thousand dollars in cash from Mariani, Cedano, and Wedderburn. The government argued that a long sentence was justified because Mariani’s offense involved drug trafficking for profit, possession of firearms, violence, and threats of violence, including his assault of a female drug addict to coerce her into dealing drugs for him in the Rutland area. 

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the joint efforts in this investigation by the Vermont State Police (Narcotics Investigation Unit), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Rutland City Police, and Homeland Security Investigations. This case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella.  Mariani is represented by Gerald Klein, Esq. of Hartford, Connecticut.

The United States Attorney’s Office, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, and the Rutland Area NAACP will be co-hosting a Hate-Free Vermont Forum in Rutland on July 21 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. 

“The Forum aims to bring policymakers, stakeholders, and community members together for productive and difficult conversations that will work to reduce animus, discord, and misunderstandings,” said Co-facilitator Etan Nasreddin-Longo. “When we began this series of fora back in 2019, its intent was to take the pulse of Vermonters’ experiences of discrimination. Much has happened since that time, and our hope is to engage and to listen to our historically-disadvantaged communities about what they view as the continuing and new problems in 2022.”

Community members are encouraged to join us for a conversation on understanding and addressing bias, discrimination, and hate crimes in Vermont. 

When: Thursday, July 21, 2022, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: The Forum will be hosted in-person and remotely.

• Physical location: Leahy Community Health Education Center, 160 Allen St, Rutland VT
• Remote registration link: https://bit.ly/HateFreeVTRutland 

Who: All are welcome. Community members have expressed that some participants may not wish to be recorded during the event, and that participants who are willing to speak with members of the media will designate themselves. Media is asked to join 30 minutes ahead of the start time.

For physical attendance, masks are required. Registration is required for remote attendance.

The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that John O’Hara, Jr., 43, of White River Junction, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to a charge that he fraudulently converted tens of thousands of dollars in Social Security benefit payments.  U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss released O’Hara on conditions pending sentencing, which is scheduled for November 3.  

On June 10, 2022, the U.S. Attorney filed a one-count information charging O’Hara with receiving stolen Government money.  O’Hara pleaded guilty to that charge today.  According to court records, O’Hara’s father, John O’Hara, Sr., received monthly Social Security benefit payments that were deposited into O’Hara Sr.’s bank account in Florida.  O’Hara Sr. died in February 2018, at which time his SSA benefits should have terminated.  O’Hara Jr. never notified SSA of his father’s death and SSA continued to make benefit payments to O’Hara Sr.’s account until October 2020.  O’Hara Jr. fraudulently converted those unauthorized payments to his own use by transferring the funds to an account he controlled in North Carolina, and then accessing those funds from Vermont for personal purposes.  The total loss to the Social Security Administration is about $51,000.  

O’Hara faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.  The actual sentence will be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.

This case was investigated by the SSA’s Office of Inspector General.  

O’Hara Jr. is represented by David Silver, Esq.  The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Daeshawn Jones, 21, of Holyoke, Massachusetts was sentenced on July 12 in United States District Court to 47 months’ imprisonment.  Jones had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine.  United States District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Jones to serve a three-year term of supervised release.  

According to court records and proceedings, Jones repeatedly traveled from Holyoke to Bennington County, Vermont in mid-2020 to sell drugs for personal financial gain.  Jones stayed at a residence in Manchester, Vermont and stored and distributed narcotics from there.  

Throughout this period, Jones also obtained and possessed firearms in connection with his drug trafficking activity.  To acquire firearms, he asked others to purchase firearms for him.  At Jones’s request, in May 2020, another man purchased two Glock handguns from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Belmont, Vermont and provided the guns to Jones.  Two days later, one of the firearms was recovered in Holyoke.  In June 2020, Jones asked the same man to purchase two additional handguns for him, but the purchase was denied by the firearms dealer.  When Jones was arrested on a federal warrant in January 2021, he possessed a rifle and heroin in his residence.

Several others connected to Jones’s criminal conduct have previously been convicted and sentenced.  On October 4, 2021, Caitlin Williams, 27, of Wallingford, Vermont, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine, was sentenced to time served, which was approximately ten months, by Judge William K. Sessions III.  On December 22, 2021, Leland Martin, 35, of Shrewsbury, Vermont, who had pleaded guilty to straw purchasing firearms, was sentenced to twelve months and one day of imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford.  On March 3, 2022, Alexander Johnson, 25, of Manchester, Vermont, who had pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment by Judge Reiss.  Jones’s co-defendant, Thomas Rougier, Jr., has pleaded guilty before Judge Reiss to conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base and is detained pending sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Vermont State Police, and appreciates the assistance of the Manchester Police Department, the Rutland Police Department, the Holyoke, Massachusetts Police Department, the Easthampton, Massachusetts Police Department, the Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

“We are working with law enforcement at all levels to remove dangerous, illegal guns and drugs from the street,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest. “We will use every tool available to eradicate the drug-fueled violence affecting our community.”

“Combatting firearms trafficking is at the forefront of ATF’s mission,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Boston Field Division. “These sentencings should send the message to criminals that a blatant disregard of federal firearms laws will be investigated by ATF and our local, state, and federal partners.  Those who have willfully violated federal firearm laws will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

Jones was represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq. and William Vasiliou, Esq.  Martin was represented by Robert Katims, Esq.  Johnson was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.  Williams was represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.  Rougier is represented by Stephanie Greenlees, Esq.  The prosecutors were Assistant United States Attorneys John J. Boscia and Nicole P. Cate.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.  Please visit  https://www.justice.gov/psn for more information.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Christoph A. Romero-Gil, 40, of Trenton, New Jersey, appeared today in federal court on a charge alleging that on July 9, 2022, he unlawfully transported individuals he knew to have entered the United States illegally. Romero-Gil pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle and was released pending trial.

According to public documents in the case, on July 9, 2022, United States Border Patrol responded to a camera activation showing four subjects with backpacks walking southbound near the international border in Franklin, Vermont. Border Patrol agents responded to the area, and conducted a traffic stop of a Nissan Pathfinder, which was being driven by Romero-Gil. Border Patrol agents found six additional occupants in the Nissan Pathfinder. Two occupants of the vehicle admitted they were Mexican nationals without lawful status in the United States who had unlawfully entered the United States from Canada; they were charged with misdemeanors relating to their unlawful entry as part of this case. The other four individuals in the vehicle were identified as Guatemalan citizens with legal status in Canada, and they were returned to Canada following their apprehension.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that a criminal complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 5 years of imprisonment on the current charge. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. 

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations for their investigation of Romero-Gil. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Lasher and Zachary Stendig represent the government. Romero-Gil is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on July 6, 2022, Robert J. Rideout, 59, formerly of Winooski, was sentenced in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont, to serve 60 months in prison upon his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Rideout had pleaded guilty to the offense on January 7, 2022, pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States.  Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Rideout to serve a four-year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment. 

According to court records and proceedings, on July 14, 2021, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in conjunction with the Vermont State Police (VSP), stopped Rideout along Interstate 89 in Vermont while he was driving back from Springfield, Massachusetts. Investigators located and seized a backpack containing approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine and over 4,500 “tickets” (individual glassine baggies) that contained approximately 130 grams of fentanyl in total. Rideout, in conjunction with another individual, had acquired the controlled substances in Springfield and was transporting them back to Burlington. Rideout intended to transfer a substantial portion of the controlled substances to a third individual in the Burlington area upon his return. The other two individuals are charged in a separate federal case that currently remains pending.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the joint efforts of HSI and VSP—as well as the assistance of the Berlin Police Department, the South Burlington Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service—in the investigation and prosecution of Rideout and others in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher prosecuted the case for the United States.  Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls represented Rideout.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on July 1, 2022, Justin Zayas-Sanchez, 22, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 20 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of distribution of fentanyl.  U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Zayas-Sanchez to serve a six-year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment.  

According to court records and proceedings, on April 14, 2021, Zayas-Sanchez sold crack cocaine and ten bags of fentanyl to a confidential informant in the Rutland area. He also sold crack to an informant on May 26, 2021 and fentanyl to an informant on July 19, 2021. Zayas-Sanchez was arrested in November 2021 and has been detained since then.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fair Haven Police Department in the investigation and prosecution of Zayas-Sanchez.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf handled the prosecution for the government.  Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino represented Zayas-Sanchez.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 29, 2022 a federal grand jury, sitting in Rutland, charged Javon Wright (a.k.a. “Ace”), 37, of Poultney, Vermont with five counts of distributing fentanyl and cocaine base in May and June of 2022 in Rutland County. 

According to court documents and proceedings, on June 30, 2022, following his indictment and the issuance of an arrest warrant, law enforcement arrested Wright as he was exiting a store in Fair Haven, Vermont. According to the government, at the time of his arrest, Wright possessed approximately 9 grams of cocaine base and less than a gram each of heroin and fentanyl. Also, early in the morning of July 1, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Wright’s residence at 288 Bentley Avenue in Poultney, Vermont and seized approximately 82 grams of cocaine powder, 20 grams of cocaine base, 12 grams of methamphetamine, and 9 grams of fentanyl – all weights with packaging. 

At today’s arraignment, Wright pleaded not guilty to the charges. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle ordered Wright remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending a hearing on the government’s motion for detention, which the Court scheduled for July 7, 2022. 

The maximum penalty for each of the charges are 20 years of imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a mandatory three years of supervised release, which follows any jail sentence. Any actual sentence, however, will be informed by the advisory Sentencing Guidelines. The Indictment is an accusation only and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

United States Attorney Nikolas Kerest commended the efforts of the Vermont State Police Narcotics Investigative Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this matter. This case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. Wright is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Burlington.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Juan Mejia-Flores, 31, of Bradenton, Florida, has been indicted by the federal grand jury for the unlawful transportation of individuals who entered the United States illegally.  Mejia-Flores is scheduled to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle this afternoon. 

According to public documents in the case, on June 24, 2022, United States Border Patrol observed four people unlawfully cross the international border near Pelow Street in Derby Line, Vermont, and enter a white sedan.  Border Patrol agents responded to the area, and conducted a traffic stop of the white sedan, which was being driven by Mejia-Flores.  The other four occupants of the sedan admitted they were Mexican nationals without lawful status in the United States and had unlawfully entered the United States in Derby Line.  Investigation by Border Patrol agents determined Mejia-Flores had been involved in a second unlawful crossing event near Burke, New York on May 14, 2022 that involved seven people unlawfully entering the United States from Canada.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that an indictment is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 5 years of imprisonment on the current charge.  Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations for their investigation of Mejia-Flores.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt represents the government. Mejia-Flores is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Morgan Gates, 27, of Rutland, Vermont, was arrested yesterday after making false statements to a federal firearms dealer in connection with the purchase of a firearm. Gates is scheduled to make her first court appearance on July 5, 2022 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. 

According to documents in the case, including the criminal complaint charging Gates, on June 29, 2022, Gates attempted to purchase a firearm at a Rutland dealer with a federal firearms license (“the FFL”).  The FFL had reason to believe that Gates was an active drug user, delayed her purchase, and contacted the Rutland Police Department.  While law enforcement investigated the attempted purchase, Rutland Police detectives learned that Gates had successfully purchased a Glock Model 45 9x19mm handgun from a different FFL located in Rutland on June 29, 2022.  In coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations, Rutland Police detectives located Gates and detained her.  A search of Gates’s residence in Rutland did not recover the Glock firearm but did result in the seizure of ammunition of multiple calibers and an empty box of 9x19mm ammunition.  The Glock Model 45 9x19mm handgun purchased by Gates has not yet been recovered.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that the criminal complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years of imprisonment on the current charge.  Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the Rutland Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations for its quick and collaborative work in addressing this illicit gun transaction.  U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest added, “Federally licensed firearms dealers are the first line of defense in stopping unlawful firearms sales and ensuring only those who pass federal background checks are allowed to purchase firearms.  FFLs who work closely with law enforcement play a vital role in keeping our communities safe.”

AUSA Jonathan Ophardt represents the government. Gates is represented by Katina Ready, Esq. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.  Please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn for more information.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Enin Noe Marquez-Cruz, 30, of Honduras, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Burlington on a charge of illegally reentering the United States. Marquez-Cruz is to be arraigned on the indictment on July 6, 2022.

According to court documents, on June 18, 2022, a United States Border Patrol Agent encountered Marquez-Cruz walking in the breakdown lane of Interstate 89 South, approximately one-quarter mile south of the Highgate Springs international border crossing. Marquez-Cruz has been removed from the United States on five previous occasions and has been convicted in federal district court three times before on immigration-related offenses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that the charge against Marquez-Cruz is an accusation only and that Marquez-Cruz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Marquez-Cruz faces up to 2 years of imprisonment. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ang is the prosecutor. The Office of the Federal Public Defender represents Marquez-Cruz.

CONCORD, N.H. – Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division today announced the formation of the New England Prescription Opioid (NEPO) Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for three federal districts, as well as law enforcement partners at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the FBI. The mission of the NEPO Strike Force is to identify and investigate health care fraud schemes in the New England region, and to effectively and efficiently prosecute individuals involved in the illegal distribution of prescription opioids and other prescribed controlled substances. The NEPO Strike Force will primarily target criminal conduct by physicians, pharmacists, and other medical professionals, focusing upon both health care fraud and drug diversion offenses, as relevant based upon the facts of the particular case.

“This NEPO Strike Force expands and sharpens the Justice Department’s response to the nation’s opioid epidemic,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “In the last year, more than 75,000 people in the United States lost their lives due to overdose. Since 2018, some of the greatest spikes in the drug overdose death rate have occurred in New England. The NEPO Strike Force will help to address one of the root causes of the epidemic: unlawful prescription and diversion of opioids. Together with our partners, we will fulfill the department’s solemn promise to deploy critical resources to address the opioid crisis.” 

Assistant Attorney General Polite was joined in the announcement in Concord, New Hampshire, by U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young for the District of New Hampshire; U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine; U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont; Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of HHS-OIG; Assistant Administrator Kristi N. O’Malley of the DEA Diversion Control Division; and Acting Deputy Assistant Director Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.

“The formation of NEPO presents a tremendous opportunity for our three Northern New England states to disrupt the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young for the District of New Hampshire. “As a state, we are grateful to the Department of Justice to be part of this initiative and excited that it will be based here in New Hampshire.”

“Maine’s opioid overdose death rate has skyrocketed, and law enforcement has identified the opioid epidemic as the number one issue officers face,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine. “While the trafficking of illegal drugs, in particular fentanyl, is well publicized, 23% of overdose deaths in Maine are the result of pharmaceutical opioids, and many of those who died from illicit substances very likely first tried pharmaceuticals, either their own or those of a friend or family member. This Strike Force will provide vital resources to help fight a growing epidemic, and along with our partners, we will pursue any medical personnel who misuse their position to endanger lives through the overprescribing of opioids for their own financial gain.” 

“The announcement of the New England Prescription Opioid Strike Force demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners in Vermont and elsewhere to hold accountable health care providers who exploit the opioid epidemic for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont. “Health care providers who issue illegal opioid prescriptions undermine important efforts to address the epidemic while putting patients at risk of overdose and physical harm.”

“HHS-OIG is unwavering in our commitment to hold accountable providers who illegally prescribe opioids for personal profit while neglecting the safety and wellbeing of their patients,” said Inspector General Christi A. Grimm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Along with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG is proud to support the New England Prescription Opioid Strike Force in a collaborative effort to assist communities plagued by the opioid epidemic.” 

“At a time when the United States is losing tens of thousands of Americans to opioid overdoses every year, it has never been more critical to ensure doctors and health care practitioners are prioritizing the safety and health of their patients,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The creation of the New England Prescription Opioid Strike Force further strengthens our important cooperation with partners in the region to hold accountable any practitioner who recklessly distributes opioid medications.” 

“The formation of the New England Prescription Opioid Strike Force provides the FBI and our law enforcement partners with important collective resources to combat health care fraud and drug diversion schemes within the region,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will not tolerate those medical professionals willing to sacrifice patients’ health for their personal profit and will work tirelessly to root out and bring to justice those individuals who illegally distribute prescription opioids and other controlled substances.” 

The NEPO Strike Force will operate as a partnership between prosecutors and data analysts with the Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit, prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, and special agents with HHS-OIG, DEA, and the FBI. It will operate out of the Concord, New Hampshire, area, supporting the three districts that make up the NEPO Strike Force region. In addition, the NEPO Strike Force will work closely with other federal and state law enforcement agencies, including the State Medicaid Fraud Control Units. 

Today’s NEPO Strike Force announcement builds on the demonstrated success of the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in late 2018, ARPO has partnered with federal and state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia to prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. Over the past three years, ARPO has charged 111 defendants, collectively responsible for issuing prescriptions for over 115 million controlled substance pills. To date, more than 60 ARPO defendants have been convicted.

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Information about available treatment programs is available as follows:

New Hampshire: For a referral to addiction treatment services, please call 211. If you or a loved one is in a substance use crisis please call/text the New Hampshire Rapid Response Access Point at 1-833-710-6477. New Hampshire residents can call and speak to trained and caring clinical staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Maine: The Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach Naloxone and Safety (OPTIONS) initiative is a coordinated effort of the Maine Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) and other state agencies to improve the health of Mainers using substances through harm reduction strategies, helping them on the road to recovery, and dramatically reducing the number of fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses. Go to https://knowyouroptions.me. If you or a loved one are struggling with opiate addiction, please contact 211 to receive help and find information about local treatment programs.
 
Vermont: No matter where in Vermont you are, there are resources to help. Vermont 211 (https://vermont211.org/) is available. To speak to someone about substance use resources including treatment options, call VT Helplink 802-565-LINK (toll free at 833-565-LINK) or visit online at VTHelplink.org, and Vermont Alcohol and Abuse Programs (802-651-1550). All information and referral services are free and confidential.
 
For individuals seeking help in other states, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jaansher Gondal, who is 20 years old, and Leslie Harold Taylor, Jr., who is 44 years old, were arrested on Friday, June 24, 2022 for their roles in straw purchasing a firearm from a Rutland area firearms dealer. The two Rutland men appeared in federal court today before U.S Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle and were temporarily detained pending detention hearings later this week. 

According to documents in the case, on June 22, 2022, Gondal arranged for Taylor to purchase a handgun from a federal firearms dealer. Taylor asserted on an ATF background check form that the Glock handgun was for him when, in fact, it was for Gondal. At the time of the purchase, Gondal was aware he could not legally purchase a handgun because he was under 21 years old and requested Taylor’s assistance in obtaining the handgun in exchange for cash.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that the charges against the defendants are accusations only and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, both men face up to 10 years of imprisonment.  Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles is the prosecutor. The Office of the Federal Public Defender represents Gondal and Kevin M. Henry, Esq. represents Taylor. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its work in addressing this illicit gun transaction. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn for more information.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Daniel King, 41, of Westminster, Vermont, and Jacquelyn Fougere, 29, of Springfield, Vermont, were indicted by the federal grand jury for conspiring and attempting to commit a robbery that interfered with interstate commerce on March 14, 2022. Defendant Fougere was arrested on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 and is scheduled to have her initial appearance today.  Defendant King is currently in the custody of Vermont’s Department of Corrections, and his initial appearance has not yet been scheduled.

According to court records, on March 14, 2022, King and Fougere attempted to rob a man of cash and THC cartridges by breaking into his residential trailer in Westminster, Vermont.  The victim reported to law enforcement that King was carrying a firearm when he kicked down the door to the trailer.  King also was carrying zip ties which were readied as make-shift handcuffs.  

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that both defendants are presumed innocent until and unless convicted of a crime.  Both King and Fougere face a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.  The actual sentences, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory federal sentencing guidelines.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt.  Fougere’s attorney is Robert Behrens, Esq.  King has not yet retained or been appointed counsel.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on June 24, 2022, Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Amrou Mohamed, 26, of Burlington, to a 15-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, following his guilty plea to a charge of aiding and abetting a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm in June of 2021.

According to court records, Mohamed planned for an unnamed buyer to purchase a firearm for him. Mohamed coached the buyer on the steps the buyer would need to take to purchase the firearm for him and informed the buyer that the buyer would need to lie when answering a question on a form asking if the buyer was the actual purchaser of the firearm.  On June 2, 2021, Mohamed provided the buyer with funds for the purchase of the firearm, then drove the buyer to a licensed firearms dealer.  The buyer selected a Glock 17 9mm pistol and submitted ATF Form 4473 indicating that the buyer was in fact the actual purchaser of the firearm.  On June 26, 2021, the Burlington Police Department seized the firearm from Mohamed, finding that it was loaded with ten rounds of 9mm ammunition.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Crawford found that Mohamed’s offense involved between three and seven firearms based on his unlawful possession of various firearms on other occasions.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their work on this investigation, as well as the Burlington Police Department and the South Burlington Police Department.  U.S. Attorney Kerest stated: “Lying to firearms dealers in order to illegally obtain guns is a serious offense that undermines the safety of our community.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal firearms laws.” 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nate Burris.  Mohamed was represented by Attorney Mary Nerino of the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.  Please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn  for more information.