District of Vermont

BURLINGTON – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on May 7, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Dayquan Smith, 34, of Hartford, Connecticut with possessing with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and fentanyl.

Smith entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on May 7, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle had previously ordered that Smith be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, on January 21, 2026, members of the Vermont State Police executed a search warrant at a residence on Sand Hill Road in Bethel, Vermont. Smith was present in a camper on the property in which law enforcement found over 350 grams of suspected cocaine base, over 40 grams of suspected purple fentanyl, and an unknown wet white powder/sludge on the floor of the shower. Also within the camper was approximately $8,675 in U.S. currency, a Ruger LCP Max .380 pistol, and a box of .380 caliber ammunition.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Smith is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police and the FBI.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Smith is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon.

BURLINGTON – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on May 7, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Yasser Rivera-Reyes, 42, a Cuban citizen with ties to Miami, Florida, with unlawfully reentering the United States after having departed the United States with an order of removal outstanding. Rivera-Reyes was initially charged by Criminal Complaint after he was apprehended by the United States Border Patrol on April 24, 2026 in Derby, Vermont. Rivera-Reyes entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle previously ordered that Rivera-Reyes be detained pending trial.

According to court records, Border Patrol agents received alerts that a person had likely entered the United States from Canada around 10pm on April 24, 2026, in the area of the bike path in Derby, Vermont. Agents responded to the bike path, and encountered Rivera-Reyes wearing clothing and a backpack similar to imagery obtained near the border. Rivera-Reyes was identified as a Cuban citizen, who had been ordered removed from the United States in 2017 while an inmate in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. A search of Rivera-Reyes’ belongings revealed a number of items indicating Rivera-Reyes had been living in Canada, including a Quebec driver’s license (issued in September 2025), a debit card from a Canadian bank, a membership certificate from a Canadian union, and receipts dated in April 2026 related to the purchase and return of items from a business in Charlemagne, Quebec.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Rivera-Reyes is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Rivera-Reyes faces up to 2 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Special Assistant United States Attorney Craig Nolan. Rivera-Reyes is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 5, 2026, William Corey Warner, 37, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 100 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Warner previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine) on January 9, 2026.

According to court records, on May 20, 2024, Warner was the passenger in a rental vehicle that entered a parking lot in Rutland, Vermont. Knowing that Warner was wanted, Rutland police officers approached and asked Warner to step out of the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle, but Warner moved into the driver’s seat, began operating the vehicle, struck an unmarked police vehicle and an occupied civilian vehicle, and fled from police. Eventually, Warner abandoned the vehicle, fleeing further on foot. In the vehicle police found approximately 34 grams of cocaine and 34 grams of cocaine base that Warner had intended to distribute to others.

Subsequently, on July 21, 2024, Warner was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on I-91 North to Vermont that was stopped in Greenfield, Massachusetts by Massachusetts State Police. In the vehicle troopers discovered more than 500 grams of cocaine and a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Warner was arrested, and on October 23, 2025, Warner was convicted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for five offenses related to cocaine and firearm possession and sentenced in the aggregate to 7 to 9 years’ imprisonment.

Warner’s criminal history includes a 2011 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine (for which he received a 60-month sentence), two State of Vermont convictions for burglary, and numerous violations of federal supervised release and state probation and parole.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Rutland City Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole P. Cate and Craig S. Nolan. Warner was represented by Michael J. Straub, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

RUTLAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 6, 2026, Noor Mohamed, age 26, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 72 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Mohamed previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the time of his offense, Mohamed was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2021 narcotics conviction. Judge Lanthier also sentenced Mohamed to 12 months, to run concurrently, for violating the terms of supervised release by committing this offense.

According to court records, Mohamed illegally possessed a loaded handgun on Church Street in Burlington, Vermont in the early morning hours of June 21, 2025. While crowds of people walked around shortly after the area bars had closed, Mohamed was in a fight with another male, pulled out a firearm and chambered a round. Mohamed’s actions caused panic by multiple pedestrians, who ran north on Church Street yelling about a man with a gun. Multiple Burlington Police Department officers quickly identified Mohamed as the suspect in possession of a firearm, and tried to detain him. Mohamed ignored the commands of officers, physically resisted, and repeatedly reached toward the gun in his waistband, resulting in a harrowing and highly dangerous three-minute struggle. During the struggle, an agitated, hostile crowd gathered in close proximity to the officers and shouted at the officers as they attempted to gain control of the firearm and maintain public safety. Officers were eventually able to successfully detain Mohamed and removed the loaded firearm from his pants.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt stated: “Thanks to the careful, responsible, and courageous decision-making of the Burlington Police Officers who responded to the report of Mr. Mohamed’s possession of a firearm in the early morning hours of June 21, 2025, no one was injured or killed that night. Mr. Mohamed’s exceedingly dangerous conduct created a harrowing, volatile, and fraught situation that could have ended tragically but for the skill and bravery of the responding officers. This event is a frightening reminder of the profound demands placed all too often on law enforcement officers, and the uncertainty and risks they face each day when they show up in service and commitment to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont will continue to work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners across the state to help protect our communities by prosecuting violent offenders who illegally possess firearms.” First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt also commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Chief of the Burlington Police Department, Shawn Burke, stated: “Noor Mohamed is another example of a violent, armed individual who has subjected our city to unacceptable levels of harm. The actions of our officers were selfless, precise, and disciplined. The Burlington Police Department appreciates our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office and the ATF. The resolution of this case reflects the level of accountability Mohamed deserves.”

Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Boston Field Division stated: “Noor Mohamed was armed with a loaded gun, menacing a crowd of people, while on probation from a previous conviction, and struggled with officers. The Burlington Police Department’s response to Mohamed was outstanding, and today’s sentence reflects the severity of the risk Mohamed created to both the public and the police. ATF is proud to stand with our partners at the Burlington Police Department.”

The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Nicole P. Cate. Mohamed was represented by Devin McLaughlin, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Michael Healey, Jr., 49, of Keene, New Hampshire, has been charged by criminal complaint with traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

On May 1, 2026, Healey appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle for an initial appearance. On May 4, 2026, Healey appeared for a detention hearing, and the Court ordered Healey released on conditions pending trial.

According to court records, Healey allegedly messaged an undercover law enforcement officer, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. Healey later agreed to pay the fictitious 14-year-old girl $200 for sex at a hotel in Brattleboro, Vermont. He arrived at the hotel on the evening of April 30, 2026. Law enforcement took Healy into custody after he approached the room where he was expecting to meet the fictitious 14-year-old girl. Law enforcement found $200 in cash on Healey’s person during Healey’s arrest.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Healey is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Healey faces up to 30 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the FBI and thanked the Vermont Drug Task Force for their assistance during the law enforcement sting operation.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Healey is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 27, 2026, Ian Blochwitz, 34, of Buffalo, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 6-year term of supervised release. Judge William K. Sessions III also imposed $6,166.80 in restitution for the victims of Blochwitz’ criminal conduct. Blochwitz previously pleaded guilty to transporting a child in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.

According to court records, Blochwitz met the victim on an anonymous text/video platform. The victim told Blochwitz that she was 12. Blochwitz continued to communicate with the child and ultimately made arrangements to meet the child in person.

On February 20, 2023, Blochwitz rented a car near his home in Buffalo, NY and traveled to Vermont. He picked up the 12-year-old child during morning hours, near her Vermont home and drove her to a short-term rental in Whitehall, New York. The child disclosed that while in NY she was sexually abused by Blochwitz. Additionally, the child described being intimidated to wear degrading items to fullfill Blochwitz’s sexual fantasies. Prior to returning the child to her residence in Vermont, Blochwitz attempted to delete all previous correspondence with the child from her phone. Despite Blochwitz’s attempts to dominate and control the child, she came forward and reported the abuse she experienced.

On September 14, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Blochwitz’s apartment in Buffalo. Law enforcement recovered Blochwitz’s cell phone, which was later found to contain visual depictions of child sex abuse involving a second child.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and thanked the Vermont Department for Children and Families for their coordination and assistance. “Blochwitz intentionally targeted a child for abuse, drove over 300 miles to pick her up in Vermont, transported her to New York, and abused her for his own sexual gratification. His actions are the fodder for the nightmares of Vermont parents. I am extremely grateful for the dedication of the investigating HSI Special Agents, and want to recognize the resilience the victim has demonstrated throughout this process.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker prosecuted the case. Blochwitz was represented by Robert C. Singer, Esq., of Williamsville, New York.

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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Cedric Wormely, 59, of Birmingham, Alabama, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for a multi-year romance fraud that victimized women in Vermont and elsewhere. Wormely previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud in connection with this scheme to defraud women he met via various online dating platforms to provide him with money. Judge Mary Kay Lanthier imposed restitution of $151,432.19 for the victims of the offense. Judge Mary Kay Lanthier also sentenced Wormely to a term of 14 months’ imprisonment, to run concurrently, for violating his conditions of supervised release which were imposed after Wormely’s convictions in the Northern District of Alabama for drug trafficking and counterfeiting offenses.

According to court records, for years Wormely defrauded women who were seeking love. With limited exceptions, Wormely met his victims through various online dating platforms where he falsely presented himself as a man living in New England who had worked for a shipping company for decades, and who was looking to operate his own businesses in retirement. Wormely’s criminal lies caused substantial emotional and financial harm to women who were simply looking for someone with whom they could spend their lives. Wormely’s misrepresentations went beyond saying that he lived where he did not live. To legitimize himself, he detailed places he regularly visited in New England, sent photographs of himself in his work vest, and described the routes he took throughout Vermont. Wormely made false promises that the money his victims were giving to him was going to be used to support a shared future together, and when his victims questioned him, Wormely would turn the conversation around to make the victims feel that they were in the wrong. Wormely spent a portion of the fraudulently obtained funds gambling at various casinos around Robinsonville, Mississippi.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Secret Service and the assistance and coordination of the Berlin, Vermont, Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra. Wormely was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Samuel Ansell and Steve Barth.

WASHINGTON — Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma LP (Purdue) was sentenced today in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, and ordered to pay criminal penalties of over $5 billion for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic.

“Purdue Pharma put profits over patient health and safety,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The company willfully rejected the law and ignored the diversion of their highly addictive prescription drugs. Their actions contributed to the opioid crisis that claimed countless lives and destroyed entire families and communities. Today's sentence is a prime example of the Department’s effort to redress past wrongs by rooting out and punishing unlawful conduct by companies that have contributed to the national crisis.”

“The opioid epidemic in the United States is a plague that has ruined lives and destroyed families,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Purdue Pharma complicitly contributed to this national epidemic in the name of their own greed by blatantly ignoring the health and safety of patients putting countless lives at risk. The FBI and our DOJ partners will always work tirelessly to ensure that companies, like Pharma, pay for the harm they have inflicted and warn others that they will not get away with violating the law for personal gain.”

“This generational case against Purdue Pharmaceuticals is one of the most important corporate enforcement cases ever brought by the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The opioid epidemic was and continues to be a national tragedy that has destroyed far too many lives, families, and communities. Purdue callously focused on profits when it knew that providers were prescribing these addictive opioids to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. While good progress has been made in combating the national opioid crisis, today’s sentencing is a reminder that there is much additional work to be done. Companies like Purdue that place illicit profits over the obligation to be a good and honest corporate citizen will be investigated and prosecuted. Today’s sentencing reflects Purdue’s role in fueling the opioid crisis and concludes the Department’s efforts to hold Purdue accountable for diversion of its products. The Criminal Division remains steadfast in our mission to seek justice on behalf of the American people.”

“Purdue Pharma undermined the government’s efforts to ensure compliance and prevent prescription drug diversion,” said Administrator Terrance Cole of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Their actions fueled a surge in addiction and cost many Americans lives. The prescription opioid epidemic directly paved the way for today’s fentanyl crisis. DEA remains committed to working with registrants, communities, faith-based organizations, and schools to address the damage and end the opioid epidemic that has gripped our nation for far too long.”

“Purdue Pharma put profit ahead of American lives and, in doing so, helped engineer a public health catastrophe that has left a trail of suffering for families and communities across this nation,” said Inspector General T. March Bell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). “No penalty can undo the widespread devastation Purdue has inflicted, but today’s sentence serves long overdue accountability for its reckless and unlawful conduct. HHS OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate large corporations and conglomerates when they violate the Anti Kickback Statute and other federal laws designed to protect patients and the integrity of federally funded health care programs.”

“Purdue made billions by unlawfully marketing dangerous opioid products, and deceiving the DEA and the American people,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “Purdue profited by paying illegal kickbacks to induce providers, including those who diverted opioids to drug abusers, to prescribe even more opioids. Today’s multi-billion-dollar sentence holds Purdue accountable for its criminal conduct.”

“By prioritizing profits over people, Purdue prolonged the suffering of patients, leaving them trapped in opioid addiction long after their initial pain subsided,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt for the District of Vermont. “While no resolution adequately could reflect the struggles of people across New England who lost their lives and their loved ones to addiction, today’s sentence takes a substantial step toward recognizing and redressing the harm Purdue caused.”

According to court documents, from 2007 and 2017, Purdue illegally marketed its opioid products to hundreds of prescribers the company had good reason to believe were prescribing these addictive drugs without a legitimate medical purpose. Purdue defrauded the DEA by misrepresenting the effectiveness of its programs designed to prevent illegal diversion, and used prescriptions written by problematic prescribers to justify its fraudulent requests to the DEA to increase the amount of its products it was permitted to manufacture. In order to induce doctors to prescribe more of its addictive opioid products, Purdue also paid kickbacks to prescribers through its doctor speaker program and to an electronic health record platform.

The court ordered Purdue to pay a criminal fine of $3.544 billion, which will be assessed in connection with the bankruptcy proceedings, and an additional $2 billion in criminal forfeiture. The Department will credit up to $1.775 billion against the $2 billion forfeiture amount based on the value conferred to state, local, and tribal governments through Purdue’s bankruptcy if Purdue ceases to operate in its current form and emerges from bankruptcy as a public benefit company (PBC) or entity with a similar mission designed for the benefit of the American public. The proceeds of the PBC will be directed toward state and local opioid abatement programs. In addition, Purdue is required to host a public document repository containing documents relating to the criminal charges.

On Nov. 24, 2020, Purdue pleaded guilty to a three-count felony information charging it with one count of a dual-object conspiracy to defraud the United States and to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and two counts of conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute.

The FBI Washington D.C. Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from investigators from HHS-OIG and the DEA.

Trial Attorney Maryann McGuire of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Walk, Jordan Anger, and Robert Toll for the District of New Jersey and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles for the District of Vermont prosecuted the case.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 28, 2026, Deandre Watson, 35, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Watson previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.

According to court records, on October 9, 2025, the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at a residence on Sherman Street in Burlington, Vermont. During the execution of the warrant, officers located Watson standing alone in the bathtub, behind the shower curtain, fully clothed and holding multiple large chunks of cocaine base (also known as crack) in his hands. Additional chunks of cocaine base were found in the bottom of the bathtub, along with a red dinner plate and razor blade. In the dining room of the Sherman Street residence, law enforcement located an additional 38 grams of cocaine base, a quantity of which was individually packaged for sale. In close proximity to this cocaine base were a digital scale, plastic baggies, scissors, and a cellular phone, the contents of which revealed the phone belonged to Watson. In total, approximately 138 grams of cocaine base were found in the residence. A cellphone found on Watson’s person revealed evidence of drug sales dating back to September 1, 2025. Watson’s criminal history in Michigan includes multiple prior felony drug trafficking convictions and a felony firearm conviction.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Burlington Police Department. “For-profit drug trafficking brings people from great distances to Vermont, with the sole purpose of distributing poison in our communities. Drug trafficking causes substantial harm to our communities, destroying families by feeding addiction and causing collateral crime that impacts their neighbors, friends, and families. Those willing to engage in serious crime for quick profits should face stiff, incarcerative sentences. I am extremely grateful for the excellent investigation done by our law enforcement partners.”

The case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra. Watson was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Charles N. Curlett, Jr.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 27, 2026, Lori Hunt, 54, of Burlington, Vermont was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of time served (approximately 9 months’ imprisonment) to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Hunt previously pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine) on December 29, 2025.

According to court records, on November 15, 2024, Lori Hunt sold 2.66 grams of cocaine base during a controlled purchase by Homeland Security Investigations. Hunt arranged the sale via telephone and then had her co-defendant, Silas Hunt, 30, of Burlington, conduct the transaction at their shared residence on North Winooski Avenue in Burlington. Both Hunts were arrested on March 4, 2025. Silas Hunt also pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base and was sentenced to imprisonment for a year and a day and a 3-year term of supervised release on November 25, 2025.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan. Lori Hunt was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq. Silas Hunt was represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that earlier today, Theodore Bland, 29, of Stowe, Vermont, pleaded guilty to federal firearm and drug charges, including causing the deaths of two men while carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking. The guilty pleas were entered before United States District Judge William K. Sessions III. Sentencing was scheduled for September 14, 2026 at 10am.

According to court records, between approximately September 7, 2023 and October 15, 2023, Bland conspired with others to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl to drug customers in and around Lamoille County, Vermont. On October 12, 2023, Bland shot and killed two men at a residence in Lowell, Vermont for the purpose of taking the bulk cocaine base and fentanyl that the men had in their possession. Following the murders, Bland provided a portion of the stolen drugs to co-conspirators to distribute to drug customers. Bland also distributed portions of the stolen drugs to various people to ensure their cooperation and assistance in concealing the murders. Bland moved the bodies of the men to a wooded area in Eden, Vermont, and attempted to conceal them.  After the murders, Bland took possession of two firearms that had been possessed by the men, and traded one of the firearms to a drug supplier in exchange for additional quantities of cocaine base and fentanyl that Bland intended to distribute.

The United States had previously filed a notice indicating the intent to seek the death penalty. After his plea, Bland faces up to a lifetime term of imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum of 10 years of imprisonment. The actual sentence, however, will be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. If the District Court accepts the plea agreement negotiated by the parties, defendant Bland will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the FBI, the Morristown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department.

The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Dana Hill. Bland is represented by Bruce D. Koffsky, Esq., David Sleigh, Esq., and Francis L. O’Reilly, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on April 16, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging  Errol Richards, 42, originally from Bronx, New York, with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. 

Richards entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on April 22, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.  Judge Doyle ordered that Richards be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, the Defendant possessed approximately 47.2 grams of cocaine on September 11, 2025. Law enforcement found the cocaine as they arrested Richards on an outstanding state warrant.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Richards is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Richards faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted.  The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Burlington Police Department.  

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Richards is represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq.
 

Detroit Man Sentenced to Over Two Years for Selling Cocaine While on Federal Supervised Release

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 23, 2026, Terry Dawayne Catchings, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, a/k/a “Biggs” was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. On March 10, 2026, Catchings pleaded guilty to two charges of distribution of cocaine and cocaine base in December 2025, as well as a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in January 2026.  Catchings was still serving a federal sentence of supervised release at the time of the distributions of cocaine in 2025.  
  
According to court records, in a prior case in 2024, Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Catchings to 18 months of incarceration and a year of supervised release for an offense related to drug distribution in Vermont. At the time, Judge Sessions specifically warned Catchings that if his criminal activity continued,  “it’s only a matter of a short time before you get arrested” and “you find yourself in a prison setting for longer and longer periods of time.” While on supervised release from that sentence in December 2025, Catchings was caught selling cocaine and cocaine base in Vermont and was then arrested after returning from New York with over 100 grams of cocaine to sell in Vermont concealed in the fabric ceiling of his car.  In imposing sentence today, Judge Lanthier acknowledged the fact that Catchings sold drugs while on supervised release and reminded Catchings of the warning Judge Sessions had given him after his first sentence.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont Drug Task Force, FBI, Morristown Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Vermont State Police.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. Catchings was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Victor Allen, 54, of Burlington, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of controlled substances.

Victor Allen’s initial appearance in court is scheduled for April 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle in Burlington.  

According to court records, over a fourteen-month period between February 2025 and April 2026, law enforcement conducted approximately ten purchases of controlled substances from Allen at various locations in Chittenden County, Vermont.  Based on that investigation, law enforcement obtained search warrants for two apartments on Grant Street and King Street in Burlington, Vermont, that were associated with Allen.  On April 21, 2026, law enforcement executed those search warrants.  Law enforcement found Allen at the King Street apartment. He told law enforcement that he was the only person staying there.  In the sole bedroom at that apartment, law enforcement located more than a kilogram of suspected cocaine, approximately 50 grams of fentanyl, quantities of suspected cocaine base and methamphetamine, a significant quantity of U.S. currency, and a Ruger firearm.  Law enforcement also located equipment for drug manufacturing in the apartment kitchen.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Allen is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Allen faces up to twenty years imprisonment if convicted.  The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Burlington Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Flynn. Allen is represented by the Federal Public Defender’s Office. 
 

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 18, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Van Jackson, 38, recently of Queensbury, New York, with wire fraud and money laundering. 

Jackson entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on April 17, 2026 before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. Judge Miller ordered that Jackson be released on conditions.

According to court records, Jackson allegedly defrauded a Vermont medical practice of at least $400,000. This included $68,000 that Jackson allegedly wired into his personal bank account and then used to pay a settlement with a medical practice in New York. Jackson previously had worked for that medical practice and entered into that settlement agreement after misappropriating funds from that practice.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Jackson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Jackson faces up to twenty years of imprisonment if convicted.  The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Jackson is represented by the Office for the Federal Public Defender.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 17, 2026, Jared Marcus Hutchins, 22, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was charged with Enticement of a Minor and Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor.  Hutchins was arrested yesterday in Montpelier, Vermont.  His initial appearance in court is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller.  

According to court records, Hutchins began communicating via social media with the 13-year-old victim in late December of 2025.  During the messaging, Hutchins requested that the minor victim send a video of herself engaging in sexual behavior, and the two also exchanged nude photos.  On April 10, 2026, Hutchins and the minor victim met in a park in the area of Montpelier, Vermont and engaged in sexual intercourse.  Afterward, Hutchins accused the minor victim of having other male contacts on social media.  Hutchins searched through her phone, became angry, and physically assaulted the minor victim.  Hutchins’ physical assault of the minor victim included choking, striking her in the face with his hand, pointing a loaded firearm at her, striking her on the back of the head with the firearm, and stabbing her in the stomach with a screwdriver.  After the assault, Hutchins drove off with the minor victim still in his car, reaching high rates of speed, before returning to Montpelier due to mechanical issues with his car.  On April 16, 2026, after the minor victim had reported the abuse to law enforcement, Montpelier Police noticed Hutchins’ vehicle in the City of Montpelier, located Hutchins nearby, and took him into custody.  At the time he was apprehended, Hutchins was in possession of a firearm.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Hutchins is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted of Enticement of a Minor, Hutchins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life imprisonment. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the swift and collaborative investigatory efforts of the Montpelier Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; and the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department.  “I am extremely grateful for the partnership of these law enforcement agencies, and I am immensely proud of their work so far on this case.  The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont will continue to prioritize protecting children from harm and holding accountable those who victimize them.”

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. Hutchins has not yet retained or been appointed counsel.

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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
 

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that yesterday, Mohamed Mubarak, 28, of Burlington, Vermont, was convicted in U.S. District Court in Burlington of three firearm offenses and two identity theft offenses after a four-day jury trial.  Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss ordered that Mubarak remain in jail pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.  Mubarak has been detained since his arrest in November of 2025.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Mubarak obtained an associate’s driver’s license by providing the associate with crack cocaine. Mubarak then used the associate’s driver’s license (without that associate’s knowledge) to purchase two firearms from a Vermont firearm store, specifically a black Canik 9mm pistol and a pink SCCY 9mm pistol.  Mubarak could not lawfully purchase or possess firearms due to his prior felony convictions.  In March of 2024, evidence related to the purchase of the firearms was recovered during the investigation of a firearm discharge at an apartment building in South Burlington, Vermont.  Law enforcement also obtained messaging and photographs from a cellular phone, as well as other social media messaging that provided evidence of defendant Mubarak’s possession of the associate’s license, the illicit firearm purchases, and Mubarak’s unlawful possession of firearms.  The photograph below was admitted into evidence at trial, and depicts defendant Mubarak with a Canik 9mm pistol and a pink SCCY 9mm pistol.

Based on the jury’s verdict, Mubarak faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft, and up to 15 years of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing firearms as a convicted felon.  The actual sentence will be determined with reference to Federal Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Burlington Police Department, and the Essex Police Department, and thanked the Vermont State Police, Newport Police Department, Montpelier Police Department, and Winooski Police Department for their assistance.  

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
 

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 15, 2026, Samantha Danforth, 36, of Pownal, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 46 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Danforth previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base and Fentanyl.  

According to court records, between February and July of 2022, Danforth conspired with William McLaughlin to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl in and around Bennington, Vermont.  As part of the conspiracy, Danforth sold drugs for McLaughlin, acted as his driver, accompanied him to obtain drugs from New York, assisted in cooking crack and packaging drugs for sale, possessed firearms, and at times supported McLaughlin’s violence and acted as his enforcer. McLaughlin was particularly violent, and Danforth witnessed many of McLaughlin’s worst acts of violence, which included attempting to suffocate a woman by holding a plastic bag around her head.  After McLaughlin was arrested for a stabbing, Danforth continued to sell drugs on McLaughlin’s behalf and assisted him in continuing his criminal activities from prison.  Danforth also worked to obstruct the prosecution of McLaughlin for the stabbing by obtaining a false recantation of the victim’s accusation.  

McLaughlin, 47, of Hoosick Falls, New York, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base and Fentanyl on July 17, 2025.  McLaughlin’s sentencing is currently scheduled for July 30, 2026.  A third conspirator, Keahnard Rowell, 36, of New York, New York, received a 60-month sentence of imprisonment on November 19, 2025.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bennington Police Department, the Rutland City Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne Smith and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf.  Danforth was represented by Heather Ross, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 10, 2026, Jeffery Paul Coolidge, 61, of Montpelier, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., to a term of 240 months of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Coolidge previously pleaded guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

According to court records, Coolidge befriended a family who had recently immigrated to the United States. The family had two young children, including a 6-year-old boy. Coolidge invited the family to dinner, gave the children gifts, and asked to be able to play with the children. In March of 2023, Coolidge falsely told the children’s father that he had a medical exam to prepare for in order to gain access to the 6-year-old boy. Coolidge instead sexually abused the boy. In August of 2023, Coolidge again sexually abused the boy while babysitting him and took photographs of the abuse. Coolidge then distributed those photographs to a dark-web site he frequented.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Montpelier Police Department, the Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Center.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne Smith and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf. Coolidge was represented by William Vasiliou, Esq.

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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 26, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Harold Sterling, 33, and Isaias Ramos, 31, both of Hartford, Connecticut with possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically, more than 28 grams of cocaine base, cocaine, and fentanyl. The indictment additionally charged Ramos with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.

Sterling and Ramos entered pleas of not guilty to the charge during an arraignment on March 30, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle had previously ordered that Sterling and Ramos be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, on March 12, 2026, U.S. Border Patrol spotted the vehicle Sterling and Ramos were driving in at approximately 11:45 p.m. near North Troy, Vermont. The Border Patrol agent suspected the vehicle to be involved in potential human smuggling across the Canadian border into the United States. When the Border Patrol agent activated his lights to initiate a stop, the vehicle sped away. As the vehicle sped away, a plastic bag was thrown out of the vehicle’s window. Border Patrol later recovered the bag and found it to contain, with packaging, approximately 82 grams of fentanyl, 23 grams of cocaine powder, and 107 grams of cocaine base. Border Patrol also later found the vehicle, which Sterling and Ramos had abandoned in a nearby parking lot. Inside of Ramos’s backpack in the vehicle, Border Patrol found a .22 caliber revolver. Border Patrol tracked footprints from the vehicle to a residence in North Troy, Vermont. On March 13, 2026, law enforcement from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Newport Police Department assisted Border Patrol to locate and arrest Sterling and Ramos at that residence.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Sterling and Ramos are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Ramos faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment, and as a result of a prior conviction for a serious drug felony, Sterling is expected to face up to life imprisonment. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Newport Police Department.

The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Ramos is represented by Sarah Puls, Esq., and Sterling is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Samuel Ansell.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 27, 2026, Richard J. Vardenski, 57, of Charlestown, Massachusetts was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 66 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Vardenski previously pleaded guilty to interfering with commerce by robbing a convenience store in the Old North End of Burlington, Vermont.

According to court records, Vardenski walked into a convenience store in the Old North End on August 25, 2024, pointed what appeared to be a pistol at the store clerk, demanded money, and took approximately $500 in cash from the register as well as a pack of cigarettes. Vardenski then left the store and fled in a Volvo. Investigators later recovered the apparent weapon used in the robbery, which was in fact a BB-gun. Vardenski was on federal supervised release at the time he committed the robbery, and has a criminal history that includes federal convictions for bank robbery and assault with intent to do bodily harm.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Burlington Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Vardenski was represented by Evan Barquist, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Rutland, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 12, 2026 a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Kevin Manning, 42, of South Hero, Vermont, with three counts of mail theft/attempted mail theft, and one count of possession of stolen mail.

On March 26, 2026, Manning entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment before United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier. Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss had previously ordered Manning be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, the case arises out of an investigation into theft of mail from porches and mailboxes in and around Grand Isle County, Vermont. In mid-November 2025, residents of Grand Isle County began reporting to the Sheriff’s Office that packages that had been shipped to them never arrived, or packages that were shipped to them had been reported delivered, but when the recipients went to retrieve the packages from their porches or mailboxes, the packages were not there. On December 24, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Manning’s residence and recovered multiple items that had been contained in the stolen mail packages. Over an approximate three-month period from November of 2025 to February of 2026, it is alleged that Manning stole hundreds of mailed and shipped items worth thousands of dollars.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Manning is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Manning faces up to 5 years of incarceration on each of the four counts with which he is charged. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Grand Isle Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Flynn. Manning is represented by Federal Public Defender Alejandro Fernandez.

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 27, 2026, Brendan Sullivan, 29, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a 15- year term of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, and ordered to pay $20,000 of restitution to victims of his offenses. Sullivan previously pleaded guilty to using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice a child and possession of child sexual abuse materials.

According to court records, Sullivan was previously convicted in federal court for possession of child sexual abuse materials, and received a time served sentence in 2020. Sullivan had numerous violations of his post-release supervision, ultimately leading to a revocation of his supervised release and an additional 9 months of imprisonment. Sullivan was released from the Bureau of Prisons on December 3, 2024. On December 12, 2024, Sullivan uploaded child sexual abuse materials to a website, in hopes of finding and viewing similar materials. This upload triggered a CyberTip, which was routed to the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, who began an investigation. On June 24, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Sullivan’s residence, and investigators seized Sullivan’s laptop. A forensic review of the laptop revealed over 2,600 unique images and 131 unique videos of child sexual abuse. The examination also revealed a messaging thread between Sullivan and a person who claimed to be a 13-year-old child. During the messaging, Sullivan proposed meeting up with the boy, offered the boy marijuana, provided detailed descriptions of sexual fantasies to the boy, provided the boy images of Sullivan’s genitalia, and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting. Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations attempted to locate the 13-year-old boy, and discovered that the messaging was instead sent by a 17-year-old minor in California, who was mimicking “catch a predator” social media posts.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. “State and local law enforcement are crucial partners in our efforts to protect children.  I am extremely grateful for their assistance in this case.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Smith and First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt.  Sullivan was represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq.

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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on February 19, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jose Ignacio De La Cruz De La Rosa, also known as “Nacho,” 30, recently of Burlington, Vermont, and two other defendants whose identities remain sealed, with conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, bringing aliens to the United States, conspiracy to produce identity documents, and producing fraudulent identity documents.

De La Cruz De La Rosa was arrested by federal agents this morning, and is scheduled to have an initial appearance and arraignment this afternoon before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss. The United States has filed a motion seeking De La Cruz De La Rosa’s detention pending trial.

According to court records, De La Cruz De La Rosa allegedly participated in a multi-year conspiracy to illegally bring aliens to the United States and to transport them within the United States in furtherance of their illegal entry. De La Cruz De La Rosa also allegedly participated in a multi-year conspiracy to produce identity documents. As a part of this alleged conspiracy, De La Cruz De La Rosa renewed Vermont driver’s privilege cards for aliens living outside of Vermont and took learner’s privilege tests on behalf of others. De La Cruz De La Rosa allegedly received $500 per card.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that De La Cruz De La Rosa is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. De La Cruz De La Rosa faces up to 15 years of imprisonment if convicted, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations. “The nine-count indictment alleges that between November of 2022 and June of 2025, De La Cruz De La Rosa smuggled people across international borders and fraudulently obtained Vermont identification documents for people living outside Vermont,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ophardt. “These are serious criminal offenses. I am grateful for the careful and thorough investigation conducted by our law enforcement partners.”

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. De La Cruz De La Rosa is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 24, 2026, Jimmy Ylimaki, 36, of Quebec, Canada, made his initial appearance in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont in connection with an indictment charging him with participating in a “grandparent scam.”

Ylimaki was apprehended in Nicaragua and was removed to the United States. Ylimaki entered a plea of not guilty to the charge before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Ylimaki be detained pending trial.

According to court records, a “grandparent scam” is a telemarketing fraud scheme involving phone calls made to elderly individuals. The initial callers typically pose as a member of the elderly victim’s family (usually a grandchild) and claim – falsely – to be in legal trouble, such as a motor vehicle accident. A second person posing as an “attorney” representing the family member then states that the elderly victim of the scam needs to provide a large sum of cash – typically thousands or tens of thousands of dollars – to bail the family member out of jail. The “attorneys” involved in this scam often identify themselves by various fictitious names, which sometimes are re-used in connection with calls to multiple elderly victims. Callers utilize a script, which has been crafted over time to refine the deception that is at the heart of the scam. The elderly victim is then instructed to provide the “bail money” to a “bail bondsman” who comes to the elderly victim’s home to collect the money later the same day.

According to court records, Ylimaki played the role of the “attorney” in the “grandparent scam.” Ylimaki was initially encountered inside a call center in Quebec when Canadian law enforcement executed a search warrant on June 4, 2024. Ylimaki is alleged to have been actively placing calls in the moments before the search warrant, and multiple “call lists” containing names, addresses, phone numbers, ages, and annual incomes of elderly Americans were found on his desk.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Ylimaki is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Ylimaki faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, as well as Customs and Border Protection, and recognized the contributions of the United States Department of State Diplomatic Security Service in assisting with locating Ylimaki in Nicaragua.

The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Nate Burris, Michelle Arra, and Nicole Cate. Ylimaki is represented by Attorney Jessica Burke.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Vermont comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Diplomatic Security Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and state and local partner agencies, with prosecutions being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 17, 2026, Anthony Hamel, 25, of Cowansville, Quebec, Canada, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 24 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Hamel previously pleaded guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Involving a Minor Under the Age of 12.

According to court records, Hamel applied to enter the United States from Canada at the Morses Line Port of Entry (POE) on May 9, 2025. Based on his responses to screening questions, Hamel was referred to a secondary inspection by the Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO). During the secondary inspection, Hamel indicated that he was entering the United States to meet an 18-year-old high school student with whom he had been talking online for approximately six months. CBPOs conducted a manual search of Hamel’s cellular phone during the secondary inspection, and they discovered what appeared to be CSAM on the device. The CBPOs contacted the Burlington Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to assist with the investigation. HSI investigators responded to the Port of Entry, confirmed the suspected CSAM on the phone, interviewed Hamel, and later searched the phone in depth pursuant to a federal search warrant. Investigators ultimately located approximately 268 videos and 33 images of CSAM on the device, including depictions of the sexual assaults of prepubescent children, toddlers, and infants and at least two depictions involving bondage, discipline, sadism, or masochism.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the vigilance and investigatory efforts of the Office of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the subsequent support by Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations. “Every day, Customs and Border Protection Officers protect Americans by performing vital screening functions at our Ports of Entry. This case underscores the importance of CBP’s work, and the need to vet those who cross our borders.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Hamel was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Barclay Johnson.

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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 16, 2026, Jodi Palmer, 48, of Monkton, Vermont, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Palmer was charged on September 11, 2024 by criminal complaint with distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine). She appeared in federal court yesterday pursuant to a writ of habeas corpus, as she is currently detained in the Vermont Department of Corrections. A detention hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2026.

According to court records, Palmer distributed approximately four grams of cocaine base to an informant during an operation by Homeland Security Investigations on July 26, 2024.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Palmer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Palmer faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations.

The prosecutor is Special Assistant United States Attorney Craig S. Nolan. Palmer is represented by Federal Public Defender Alejandro Fernandez.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Deyvi Daniel Corona-Sanchez, 24, a Mexican citizen recently living in South Burlington, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with violating 8 U.S.C. § 1326 – Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien.

According to court records, Corona-Sanchez unlawfully entered the United States in October of 2021 near Eagle Pass, Texas.  He was located by immigration authorities at a detention facility in Dilley Texas in March of 2022 and removed from the United States shortly thereafter.  Immigration authorities learned that Corona-Sanchez returned to the United States after his arrest for driving under the influence in Middlebury, Vermont on January 15, 2026.  

On the morning of March 11, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office learned of a civil enforcement operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) personnel in South Burlington, Vermont had resulted in vehicular flight by a person ICE-ERO believed to be Corona-Sanchez, motor vehicle collisions on Dorset Street, and flight by Corona-Sanchez into a nearby residence.  ICE-ERO subsequently requested criminal process related to Corona-Sanchez, who was believed to still be present inside the Dorset Street residence.  A criminal complaint and federal arrest warrant were obtained, charging Corona-Sanchez with violating 8 U.S.C. § 1326.  A federal search warrant was also obtained, allowing for entry to the Dorset Street residence to effectuate the arrest of Corona-Sanchez.  The search warrant was thereafter executed by ICE-ERO personnel, who made entry into the Dorset Street residence.  The occupants of the residence were identified, and Corona-Sanchez was found not to be present in the residence.  The arrest warrant for Corona-Sanchez remains active.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Corona-Sanchez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Corona-Sanchez faces up to 2 years of imprisonment if convicted.  The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt recognized the substantial efforts of the South Burlington Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, and the Vermont State Police in balancing the public’s right to peacefully protest ICE-ERO activities, while ensuring protestors and federal law enforcement remained safe throughout the day on March 11, 2026.  

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 2, 2026, Justin Llano, 25, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Justin Llano previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine base in Central Vermont in two separate cases.

According to court records, over the course of multiple years, first in 2021-2022, and later in 2023-2024, Justin Llano operated a drug distribution operation in cooperation with his brother, Joseph Llano, his uncles, Tanashe Edwards and Edwin Davila, and numerous other co-conspirators, that trafficked cocaine base and fentanyl from Massachusetts to Central Vermont. The group distributed drugs to a large number of customers in Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties. The defendant was initially arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with federal drug crimes in May 2022. Prior to that arrest, law enforcement had conducted two controlled purchases directly from Justin Llano. During a controlled purchase on April 22, 2022, Justin Llano was wearing body armor and was armed with a handgun when he completed the drug sale, and additional firearms were present in the residence where the transaction occurred. The investigation determined that Justin Llano used his drug customers to obtain firearms in Vermont that he then trafficked to Massachusetts for profit.

In September 2022, Justin Llano was arrested by Springfield, Massachusetts Police for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Thereafter, he failed to report to his pre-trial services officer for his Vermont federal case, and became a fugitive from justice. Beginning in 2023, the defendant resumed trafficking drugs to Vermont while still a fugitive. Justin Llano directed individuals from Massachusetts to travel to Vermont to distribute drugs (“runners”), and had other individuals courier those runners, drugs and proceeds from the sale of drugs between Massachusetts and Vermont. During the course of the conspiracy, the courier that the Llano brothers used to transport drugs made approximately 100 trips between the Springfield, Massachusetts area and Central Vermont. By late 2024, while the courier’s activities were being directed by Justin Llano he was making multiple trips each week. On each trip he brought between 50 and 60 grams of cocaine base to Vermont, and at times also brought wax folds of fentanyl. Justin Llano managed multiple runners to distribute drugs in Vermont to customers with whom the defendant arranged drug transactions via a popular social media messaging application. On one occasion in September 2024, when one of the runners reported to Justin Llano that drug proceeds were missing, an armed associate of Llano went to the residence where the runner was distributing drugs and threatened the residents and the runner with a firearm, demanding that they locate the missing money. A search warrant was later executed at that residence by ATF and DEA, resulting in the seizure of cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, Barre Town Police Department, Barre City Police Department, Berlin Police Department, and Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner. Justin Llano was represented by Allan Sullivan, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on February 10, 2026, John Cozza, 64, of Plainfield, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a two-year term of probation and ordered to pay $68,323.20 in restitution to the United States Social Security Administration. Cozza previously pleaded guilty to submitting false information in his application for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits.

According to court records, Cozza stated in a March 2021 application for SSDI benefits that he had not been self-employed in 2020 or in 2021, through the date of his application. When Cozza submitted the application, he knew that information was false. In fact, Cozza had been working as a handyman through his businesses, J.C. Handy Man Services and Black Bear Building Services from 2019 through the date of his application (and continuing until at least 2023). There was ample evidence of defendant’s self-employment through his advertising of his businesses and his social media posts for those businesses. As a result of his false statements to the Social Security Administration, Cozza obtained $68,323.20 in SSDI benefits to which he was not entitled.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations (SSA OIG-OI) and the Vermont State Police.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Aliberti and Jason Turner. John Cozza was represented by Michael Shklar, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on January 23, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Otmane Khalladi, 33, of Miami, Florida, with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to launder monetary instruments, and failure to appear.

Khalladi entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on Friday, February 13, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.  Judge Doyle ordered that Khalladi be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, Khalladi is alleged to have participated in a conspiracy involving a “grandparent scam” and is further alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to launder the proceeds of that scam.  He was initially arrested in Miami, Florida, in April 2023, and was released on a $100,000 bond. Khalladi failed to appear for a court hearing in December 2024, and was detained in Mexico by Mexican immigration authorities and removed to the United States.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Khalladi is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Khalladi faces up to 60 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, as well as Customs and Border Protection, and recognized the contributions of the FBI in assisting with locating Khalladi in Mexico.

The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nate Burris and Michelle Arra. Khalladi is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Vermont comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Diplomatic Security Services, the Internal Revenue Services-Criminal Investigation, and state and local partner agencies, with prosecutions being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on February 13, 2026, Dominique Troupe, 39, of Colchester, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Troupe previously was convicted by a jury on May 7, 2024, of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, aiding and abetting the use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense wherein the firearm was discharged, conspiracy to commit robbery, and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute after a six-day trial. Eric Raymond and Jesse Sweet were previously sentenced to twelve and six years, respectively, for their roles in the case following guilty pleas.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, by at least July of 2021, Troupe was a source of cocaine base (also known as “crack cocaine”) to residents of Swanton, Vermont, with whom he conspired to distribute the drug. During the second half of 2021, Troupe maintained a consistent cocaine base distribution operation in the Swanton area that was trafficking multiple ounces of cocaine base each week. In January 2022, however, a rival distributor of cocaine base moved into the residence at 45 First Street in Swanton, resulting in a significant diminution in Troupe’s sales. To address this problem, two of Troupe’s Swanton-based re-distributors, Eric Raymond and Jesse Sweet, came up with the idea to rob the rival drug dealer of his drugs and money. When Troupe learned of this idea, he turned it into reality. Trial evidence showed that during the early morning of February 2, 2022, Troupe employed Eric Raymond, as well as another unidentified associate of Troupe, to attempt the armed robbery at 45 First Street. Troupe supplied a firearm to Eric Raymond to use during the crime and drove the men to and from the robbery. Tragically, during the attempted armed robbery, Elijah Oliver, 22, of Massachusetts was shot twice and killed. Following the murder of Oliver, Troupe left Vermont for a period of time and instructed a co-conspirator to cancel the cell phone account he had been using. After a couple of months, Troupe returned to Vermont and continued distributing cocaine base, including to a law enforcement confidential source. When Troupe was arrested on September 7, 2022, he was in possession of 188.9 grams of cocaine base.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Vermont State Police, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Swanton Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner and recently retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher. Troupe was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.

An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the District of Vermont charging a Dominican national and a U.S. citizen with conspiring to smuggle foreign nationals from Mexico and Central and South America into the United States via the U.S.-Canada border.

According to court documents, Francisco Antonio Luna Rosado, 27, an illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, and Jesus Hernandez Ortiz, 37, of Puerto Rico, are charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens to the United States and 12 counts of illegally bringing aliens to the United States for the purpose of private financial gain related to a Sept. 17, 2023, smuggling event. Luna Rosado is also charged with two counts of transactional money laundering for engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from smuggling activities. 

Luna Rosado allegedly directed smuggling operations from at least Aug. 2022 through at least March 2024, coordinating the illegal transport of aliens across the U.S.-Canada border into northern Vermont. Aliens arrived by airplane, from their origin country to southern Canada. Luna Rosado then used live shared cellular location data to guide the aliens across the Canadian border to northern Vermont. From northern Vermont, Luna Rosado used an approximate 70-person encrypted chat platform to communicate and arrange for drivers, including Hernandez Ortiz, to pick up aliens at the northern border. The drivers then drove the aliens from Vermont to New York City. Upon arrival in New York City, the aliens paid Luna Rosado in U.S. currency. Luna Rosado deposited and withdrew this money into and through the U.S. financial system, in amounts exceeding $10,000.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt for the District of Vermont and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia of the Swanton Sector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made the announcement.

Agents from the Swanton Sector Intelligence Unit assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Newport Station and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Derby Line Office led U.S. investigative efforts, with assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

Trial Attorneys Jake Drucker and Emily Cohen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chet Kirkham and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles for the District of Vermont are prosecuting the case.

The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/ HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on February 4, 2026, Joseph Llano, 26, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Joseph Llano previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine base in Central Vermont.

According to court records, over the course of multiple years, Joseph Llano operated a drug distribution operation in cooperation with his brother, Justin Llano, his uncles, Tanashe Edwards and Edwin Davila, and numerous other co-conspirators, that trafficked cocaine base and fentanyl from Massachusetts to Central Vermont. The group distributed drugs to a large number of customers in Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties. The defendant recruited individuals in Vermont that would allow their homes to be used as distribution points for controlled substances by individuals from Massachusetts who would travel to Vermont to distribute drugs, and individuals to courier drugs and proceeds from the sale of drugs between Massachusetts and Vermont. During the course of the conspiracy, the courier that Joseph Llano had recruited made approximately 100 trips between the Springfield, Massachusetts area and Central Vermont. On each trip he brought between 50 and 60 grams of cocaine base to Vermont, and at times also brought wax folds of fentanyl. Joseph Llano also operated a social media page where he would interact with drug customers to facilitate the sale of cocaine base and/or fentanyl. On four occasions, law enforcement completed controlled purchases of cocaine base following communications with Joseph Llano’s social media account.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, Barre Town Police Department, Barre City Police Department, Berlin Police Department, and Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner. Joseph Llano was represented by David Silver, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
 

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on February 2, 2026, Trayvon Kisling, 21 years old, formerly of Staten Island, NY, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Trayvon Kisling previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court records, between February 2023 and March 2023, Trayvon Kisling conspired with others to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl in Vermont. During the conspiracy, Kisling possessed large quantities of drugs. Some of those drugs were seized on February 25, 2023, when police in Winooski searched an apartment where Kisling had been staying and recovered 134.43 grams of individually packaged fentanyl; 74 grams of bulk fentanyl; 179.4 grams of crack cocaine; and 398.3 grams of powder cocaine. On March 15, 2023, police encountered Kisling during a motor vehicle stop in Brandon and recovered more drugs from his car, specifically, approximately 450 bags of fentanyl and 40.8 grams of cocaine base. During the conspiracy, Kisling possessed firearms to protect his drugs and drug proceeds. Two of those firearms were recovered from his car during the March 2023 vehicle stop.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the investigating agencies in this case: the FBI, the Vermont State Police, the Rutland City Police Department, the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Winooski Vermont Police Department, Winooski Fire Department and the St. Michaels Fire Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy L. Fuller. Kisling was represented by Richard C. Bothfeld, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on January 27, 2026, Christopher Rantanen, 40, of Brandon, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 35 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Rantanen previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, in September 2024, Rantanen was involved in a single car accident on U.S. Route 7 in Pittsford, Vermont. Rantanen denied any drug or alcohol use to responding law enforcement. While an officer wrote Rantanen tickets for numerous traffic infractions related to the crash, fire department officials on the scene alerted law enforcement that Rantanen was slumped over on a nearby bench. Thereafter, officers again asked Rantanen about his drug use, and Rantanen again denied any drug use that day. While waiting for a tow truck to arrive, law enforcement observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside and around Rantanen’s car. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Rantanen’s car, and located inside the vehicle two handguns (including a privately manufactured firearm), ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, and assorted drug paraphernalia. A few weeks later, in November 2024, law enforcement encountered Rantanen and another person in a car in Rutland, Vermont when responding to a drug-related complaint. Once Rantanen and the other person were out of the car, law enforcement observed a Glock pistol in the area near where Rantanen had been seated. A search of this car revealed approximately 13 grams of fentanyl and approximately 19 grams of crack cocaine in the area around where Rantanen was seated.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsford Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra. Rantanen was represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on January 21, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Marshall Gagne, 35, of Weathersfield, Vermont, with possession of firearms as a convicted felon, possessing fentanyl and cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Gagne’s arraignment is scheduled to occur on February 23, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

According to court records, on May 19, 2025, Gagne was arrested in a hotel room in Claremont, New Hampshire with six other individuals, after law enforcement forced entry to discover evidence of firearms and illicit drugs recently having been flushed down the drain. Gagne was carrying more than $11,000 and a backpack with fentanyl and cocaine residue on its strap. The next day, on May 20, 2025, a search warrant was executed at a Weathersfield, Vermont residence linked to Gagne. During the search, law enforcement found thousands more in suspected drug proceeds and a dozen firearms, including privately made “ghost” guns and a silencer. The camping trailer where the firearms were kept also contained the box for the handgun found in the hotel room where Gagne was arrested the night before. Gagne had previously been convicted of multiple felonies and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Marshall Gagne is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Gagne faces up to 15 years for possession of firearms, 20 years for drug distribution, and a consecutive sentence of at least five years for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Vermont Drug Task Force, the FBI, the Claremont New Hampshire Police Department, the Hartford Vermont Police Department, and the Brattleboro Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. An attorney for Gagne has not yet been appointed or appeared on his behalf.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on January 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Terry Dawayne Catchings, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, with two counts of distribution of cocaine and cocaine base and one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it.

Catchings entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on January 15, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Catchings be detained pending trial.

According to court records, Catchings distributed cocaine and cocaine base on December 23, 2025, and December 30, 2025, at a location in Vermont. On January 7, 2026, Vermont State Police stopped Catchings for speeding on Interstate 89 in Randolph. A search of Catchings’s vehicle revealed approximately 114 grams of cocaine hidden in the fabric lining of the ceiling.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Catchings is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Catchings faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the three counts if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Morristown Police Department, the Vermont Drug Task Force, the FBI, and the Vermont State Police.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. Catchings is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that it has resolved its investigation into complaints that Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) failed to effectively communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing during medical visits. This agreement resolves allegations that BMH violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during patient visits dating back to at least 2018.

The United States received a complaint from an individual who alleged that BMH discriminated against him by failing to provide qualified sign language interpreters and appropriate auxiliary aids and services during visits to BMH’s emergency department. The individual also alleged that on several occasions, he was required to rely on his companion to assist him in communicating about his medical concerns. The United States’s investigation revealed additional individuals, whose primary means of communication is American Sign Language, with whom BMH similarly failed to ensure effective communication. It is well settled under the ADA that patients have the right to effective communication in hospitals and doctors’ offices.

BMH has already taken steps to comply with its obligations under the ADA. And with the resolution agreement, BMH will timely provide qualified interpreters when necessary to ensure effective communication with patients and companions; create a grievance procedure; provide comprehensive training to its personnel on effective communication; and designate a program administrator who will coordinate access to auxiliary aids and services 24/7.

The resolution agreement also establishes a fund to compensate people who have been affected by BMH’s failure to provide qualified sign language interpreters or appropriate auxiliary aids and services from 2018 through 2025. Any person believed to be so aggrieved should contact the United States Attorney’s Office by filling out the civil rights complaint form available on our website or by emailing the office at USAVT.contactus1@usdoj.gov. To access the civil rights complaint form, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/civil-rights-program.

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Greer and former Assistant United States Attorney Zachary M. Dayno handled this matter for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. The resolution agreement is available at this link: Resolution Agreement

For more information on the ADA, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).

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Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that the United States Border Patrol apprehended seven unlawful entrants on the Canadian Border between December 23 and December 25, 2025.

Joneyker Rafael Ramos Guillen, 20, of Venezuela, has been charged by criminal complaint with bringing aliens to the United States who lacked official authorization to enter, including Byron Guillermo Gonzabay Giron, 47, of Ecuador, Lixia Nong, 23, of China, Zhongyue Xiang, 62, of Portugal, and a 17-year-old unaccompanied minor from Brazil.  Gonzabay Giron, Nong, and Xiang were all charged by criminal complaint with illegal entry into the United States. According to court records, Border Patrol detected an unlawful entry at approximately 7:00 am on December 23, 2025.  A Border Patrol agent responded to the area, and from signs in the snow, determined approximately 5 people had traveled southbound. The responding agent followed the trail and discovered a group of people in the trees walking toward the village of North Troy. When directed to stop, the group instead scattered and fled. Over the next hour, Border Patrol agents tracked and pursued the five people, apprehending Ramos Guillen, Gonzabay Giron, Nong, Xiang, and the unaccompanied minor.

Two additional unlawful crossings occurred on December 25, 2025. Shortly after midnight on December 25, 2025, Benjamin Paul Sheldon Schooner, 35, of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada crossed the international border on foot in front of the Haskell Library in Derby Line, Vermont. At approximately 6:45 pm, Abelardo Gamboa-Penaloza, 30, of Mexico, crossed the international border on foot near Lee Street in Derby Line, Vermont. Both Schooner and Gamboa-Penaloza were charged by criminal complaint with illegal entry into the United States.

On December 29, 2025, defendants Guillen and Schooner appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that both defendants be held pending detention hearings. Defendants Gonzabay Giron and Gamboa-Penaloza appeared before Judge Doyle on December 30, 2025, pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to time-served. Nong and Xiang are scheduled for initial appearances on December 31, 2025.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Nong, Xiang, and Schooner all face up to 6 months in prison if convicted. Ramos Guillen faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The actual sentences, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.

The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt, Katherine H. Flynn, and David H. Golubock. Ramos Guillen, Schooner, and Gamboa-Penaloza are all represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Xiang is represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq. Nong is represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on December 29, 2025, Geison Reynoso, 27, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. His co-conspirator Davon Lee, 26, also of Springfield, was previously given the same sentence by Judge Reiss on October 16, 2025. Both men previously pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to court records, from 2023 until April 25, 2024, Reynoso and Lee engaged in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base in Rutland County, Vermont. In February 2024, law enforcement seized two backpacks belonging to the pair containing two firearms, U.S. currency, and a large quantity of cocaine and cocaine base. On April 25, 2024, Reynoso and Lee were arrested after a traffic stop and search of their vehicle resulted in the seizure of three more firearms, U.S. currency, and a large quantity of controlled substances. Reynoso and Lee both admitted to conspiring to traffic controlled substances and possessing firearms in furtherance of that conspiracy in their plea agreements. In addition to the sentences imposed against Reynoso and Lee, Judge Reiss ordered the forfeiture of $17,147 and five handguns.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Rutland City Police Department, the Rutland Town Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy Fuller and David Golubock. Geison Reynoso was represented by Matthew Hart, Esq. Davon Lee was represented by Peter Langrock, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on December 18, 2025, Douglas Reynolds, 37, of, Dalton, New Hampshire, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Reynolds previously pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, specifically assaulting federal law enforcement using a deadly weapon.

According to court records, members of the United States Marshals Service attempted to serve an outstanding state arrest warrant on Reynolds near Dalton, New Hampshire. Reynolds spotted law enforcement and fled in his black Jetta sedan. Reynolds led law enforcement north on Interstate 93 to Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, before turning south on Interstate 91. The chase reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Eventually, Reynolds exited the interstate near Ryegate, Vermont. His vehicle ran out of gas and began to slow. As his vehicle slowed, Reynolds waived a Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum revolver out of his driver’s side window. Then he fired the gun over his shoulder in the general direction of USMS personnel. USMS personnel returned fire, hitting Reynolds in the head. Members of the pursuing team then ordered Reynolds out of his car and apprehended him. After receiving medical care, Reynolds was arrested. At the time of Reynolds’ possession and discharge of the Ruger, he was both a convicted felon and an unlawful user of controlled substances.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Bradford Police Department, and the assistance of the United States Marshals Service.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Reynolds was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Carmen Brooks.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on December 18, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Brian Wood, 23, of Hartford, Vermont, with Production of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM, also known as child pornography) and Possession of CSAM.

Wood entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on December 19, 2025 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.  Judge Doyle ordered that Wood be detained pending a detention hearing currently scheduled for December 24, 2025.

According to court records, defendant Wood was arrested in February 2025 for Luring a Child after a Hartford Police Department undercover operation. Wood’s cellular phone was seized at the time of this February 2025 arrest. A forensic review of the contents of the cellular phone revealed that between March and May 2023, Wood was messaging with a 14-year-old victim, persuading her to create CSAM of herself, and sending it to Wood. Law enforcement interviewed this victim, who confirmed the messaging, and disclosed that Wood had sexually abused her at a New England Christian music festival the two had attended.

Wood’s unlawful interactions with minors remains the focus of a continued law enforcement investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Hartford, Vermont Police Department.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Wood is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Wood faces up to 30 years of imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of 15 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Hartford, Vermont Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

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

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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on December 18, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Carlos Nonoal-Cano, 26, a Mexican national from Lakewood, New Jersey, with transportation of illegal aliens on December 16, 2025. In related cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged two of Nonoal-Cano’s passengers, Christopher Gonzales-Castillo (48, Mexico) and Aracely Ramos-Quina (27, Spain), with illegal entry into the United States.

On December 18, 2025, Nonoal-Cano pled not guilty to the charge during an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle detained Nonoal-Cano in a hearing on December 19, 2025. Also on December 18, 2025, Gonzales-Castillo appeared before Judge Doyle and was detained. Ramos-Quina appeared in court on December 18, 2025, pled guilty and was detained as a material witness.

According to court records, on December 16, 2025, agents from U.S. Border Patrol received a notification of border crossing on the Vermont-Canada border and received an image of individuals crossing the snow-covered border on foot taken that evening. When Border Patrol agents conducted a search of the remote area near the Canadian border, they observed a black Honda Pilot with New Jersey license plates as it stopped in a wooded, unpopulated area and turned around. When they stopped the vehicle, Border Patrol agents found that Nonoal-Cano – the driver – was transporting two unrelated adults and two unaccompanied, and unrelated, juveniles with snow on their boots.

Border patrol agents determined that Nonoal-Cano’s passengers did not have lawful status in the United States and were likely being smuggled for profit. In an interview with U.S. Border Patrol, Ramos-Quina, a Spanish national with dual citizenship in Ecuador, admitted to being present in the United States without lawful status. Ramos-Quina admitted to having agreed to pay $3,500 to a smuggler she found through social media.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment and complaint contain allegations only and that Nonoal-Cano and Gonzales-Castillo are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Nonoal-Cano faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Gonzales-Castillo faces up to 6 months in prison if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of U.S. Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. Nonoal-Cano is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Gonzales-Castillo is represented by Michael J. Straub, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.

“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.”

“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.”

On December 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Burlington, Vermont, returned an indictment charging Nathanael Akin, 34, of Bennington, Vermont, with one count of attempted enticement of a minor to produce child sexual abuse material. After first being charged by complaint, Akin was ordered detained pending further proceedings on December 12, 2025. According to court records, Akin communicated online with an FBI undercover operator (“UC”), requesting sexual contact with the UC’s fictitious 10-year-old daughter. Akin also communicated directly with the purported daughter online, and asked the girl to produce and send him images of her genitalia.

Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.

As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself.

This effort follows two other successful nation-wide operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders.

The FBI’s Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.

These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and 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, visit justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on December 17, 2025, Samuel Alfaro-Sanchez, 31, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford to a term of 3 months and 20 days’ imprisonment. Alfaro-Sanchez previously pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been found in the District of Vermont on August 13, 2025, without any lawful status to be in the country.

According to court records, Alfaro-Sanchez, illegally entered the United States on numerous prior occasions. In 2008, Alfaro-Sanchez voluntarily returned to Mexico after having been apprehended near Tucson, Arizona. In 2018, Alfaro-Sanchez was removed from the United States twice after having been apprehended first near Paso Del Norte, Texas in March and then again near Sasabe, Arizona in July. In 2019, Alfaro-Sanchez was again removed from the United States after having been apprehended near El Paso, Texas. In 2020, Alfaro-Sanchez was expelled from the United States twice in September after having been apprehended on two separate occasions near Douglas, Arizona. In 2021, Alfaro-Sanchez was expelled from the United States after having been apprehended near Douglas, Arizona.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham. Alfaro-Sanchez was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Charles N. Curlett, Jr.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
 

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on December 16, 2025, William Bostwick, 43, of Keene, New Hampshire, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 28 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Bostwick previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 30 grams of cocaine in January 2025. Charges related to his possession of additional cocaine and fentanyl and a firearm in December 2024 were dismissed following his plea and sentencing. Bostwick’s sentence will run concurrently with sentences to be imposed in related cases in New Hampshire and Vermont, along with violations of release conditions from prior offenses in Massachusetts.

According to court records, Bostwick was encountered by law enforcement on December 27, 2024 while unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle in Brattleboro, Vermont.  Bostwick was found to be in possession of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, $5,700 in cash, and a 9mm handgun.  Approximately two weeks later, on January 9, 2025, law enforcement observed Bostwick at a hotel in Putney, where he was arrested and found to be in possession of over $1,000 cash, drug paraphernalia, and approximately 38.5 grams of cocaine.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the law enforcement efforts of the Brattleboro Police Department and the Vermont State Police and thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its assistance.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles. Bostwick was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Emily Kenyon and Cameron Brooks.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Fabian Ronald Reyes-Lopez, 36, of Ecuador, Kelbys Josefina Velazquez-Guitierrez, 43, of Puerto Ordoz, Venezuela, Solanger Almonte-Lopez, 39, of Cieza, Spain, and David Christopher Burke, 43, of Piltown, Ireland, have been charged by criminal complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. Reyes-Lopez and Velazquez-Gutierrez have been charged with attempting to transport illegal aliens in furtherance of their entry into the United States, a felony charge. Almonte-Lopez and Burke have been charged with being aliens who illegally entered the United States, a misdemeanor charge.

On December 10, 2025, all the defendants appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Velazquez-Gutierrez and Almonte-Lopez be detained during the pendency of this matter. Judge Doyle ordered that Reyes-Lopez be released on conditions. Burke plead guilty to the charged offense immediately after his initial appearance.

According to court records, Almonte-Lopez and Burke crossed into the United States from Canada late at night on December 8 near Franklin, Vermont with the assistance of two other unidentified people. Reyes-Lopez and Velazquez-Gutierrez were waiting in a car to pick up Almonte-Lopez and Burke. United States Border Patrol agents detected the crossing and took all the defendants into custody.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Reyes-Lopez, Velazquez-Gutierrez, and Almonte-Lopez are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. As mentioned above, Burke plead guilty the same day of his initial appearance, and received a sentence of time served. Reyes-Lopez and Velazquez-Gutierrez face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Almonte-Lopez faces up to 6 months in prison if convicted.  The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Special Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham. Reyes-Lopez is represented by Devin T. McKnight, Esq. Velazquez-Gutierrez is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Charles N. Curlett, Jr. Almonte-Lopez is represented by Chandler W. Matson, Esq. Burke was represented by Karen R. Shingler, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on December 15, 2025, Joshua Hartness, 45, of Colebrook, New Hampshire, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 25 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release. Hartness previously pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM, also known as child pornography). Hartness has been detained since March 28, 2025, when his conditions of release were revoked after he attempted to take possession of a firearm.

According to court records, on September 11, 2022, Hartness was subjected to an inspection upon his return to the United States from abroad. A review of Hartness’s cellphone revealed suspected CSAM. A forensic review confirmed Hartness possessed a video of a child being sexually assaulted by an adult, and photos of a naked female child in sexual poses. Investigating agents also located on the cellphone multiple online communications between Hartness and minor girls consistent with “grooming,” including complimenting the girls on their beauty and sending the girls nude photographs of himself. The forensic review and subsequent investigation confirmed that Hartness possessed the CSAM on his phone while in the District of Vermont, and that Hartness did so while working as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General - Northeast Region, and Homeland Security Investigations.

“Hartness was found to possess images of child exploitation, a heinous crime that was further compounded when he was shown to be in possession of these images while serving in a position of public trust. The conviction of Joshua Hartness reinforces the message that no one is above the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Hartness was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Carmen Brooks and Emily Kenyon.

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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on December 12, 2025, Anthony Seagroves, 32, of Hinesburg, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 26 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

On August 25, 2025, Seagroves pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon on October 14, 2024.

According to court records, Seagroves was encountered in two different stolen vehicles within the last two weeks of October 2024, each time with a loaded firearm he was prohibited from possessing, within arm’s reach. Seagroves was first encountered by Burlington Police Department officers on the afternoon of October 14, 2024, when officers were checking on Seagroves and multiple other people slouched over inside a running car parked at the Fletcher Free Library. The officers learned that the vehicle had been reported stolen. While removing Seagroves from the driver’s seat of the vehicle, officers observed a black and green pistol on the seat where Seagroves had been sitting. The pistol was determined to be a Privately Made Firearm (colloquially referred to as a “ghost gun”), which was loaded with four rounds of PMC brand 9-millimeter ammunition. Seagroves had previously been convicted of a felony burglary and was therefore prohibited from possessing this firearm.

After being charged and released in Vermont Superior Court based on the October 14, 2024 incident, approximately a week later, on October 23, 2024, the Hinesburg Police Department was investigating a report of a stolen vehicle, which the owner had located in Hinesburg. The owner identified Seagroves exiting the passenger seat of the vehicle shortly after the owner had located it and officers later found a loaded Sig Sauer P365 9-millimeter pistol on the passenger floorboard. The owner of the Sig Sauer firearm had reported it stolen from his car in his driveway in Starksboro on October 22, 2024.

First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Burlington Police Department, and the Hinesburg Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. Seagroves is represented by Devin McLaughlin, Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).