District of Vermont

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Nicolelus Sanborn, 30, of Burlington, Vermont, pleaded not guilty yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to an indictment charging him with distributing fentanyl. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered that Sanborn be detained during the pendency of this matter.

On October 17, 2024, a federal grand jury returned the indictment that charged Sanborn with distributing fentanyl in May 2024. According to court records, a cooperating individual bought narcotics from Sanborn in controlled purchases that were recorded and surveilled by law enforcement. Law enforcement arrested Sanborn on those charges on November 14, 2024.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Sanborn is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

If convicted, Sanborn faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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.

This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force.

Sanborn is represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq. The prosecutor for the government is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment on October 16, 2024 charging Michael Robistow, 49, of Willis, Texas, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Robistow entered a plea of not guilty to the charges today during an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Robistow be released on conditions pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.

According to court records and statements made at today’s arraignment, on June 9, 2024, U.S. Coast Guard personnel on Lake Champlain boarded Robistow’s vessel, the “Sonata,” to conduct a safety inspection. Robistow and his wife were the only two people aboard the vessel at the time of the Coast Guard boarding. During the inspection, Coast Guard personnel learned of the presence of a firearm in a cabinet in the helm of the vessel. That firearm was temporarily detained for the safety of Coast Guard personnel. After concluding the safety inspection, Coast Guard personnel disembarked the “Sonata.” Shortly thereafter, dispatchers informed the Coast Guard personnel that Robistow had previously been convicted of a felony offense. The Coast Guard personnel therefore reboarded the “Sonata,” and seized 3 firearms: a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield 9x19mm pistol, a Glock Model 19 9x19mm pistol, and a Palmetto Armory PA-15 AR-style rifle. Coast Guard personnel also seized loaded spare magazines for the pistols, and a box of .38 caliber ammunition. The next day, ATF and HSI agents again boarded the “Sonata,” and during a more thorough search, located a bag containing 806 rounds more of ammunition, in 6 different calibers. During their search, ATF agents also observed a 3D printer onboard the “Sonata.”

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Robistow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Robistow faces up to 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.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the vital assistance of Homeland Security Investigations.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Robistow is represented by Devin McKnight, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on November 8, 2024, Marvin Byrd, 29, of Hartford, Connecticut, 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. Byrd previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl.

According to court records, Byrd agreed with multiple other individuals to acquire and ultimately distribute controlled substances in Orleans County in Vermont. Between at least March and August 2023, Byrd—who went by “TJ” while in Vermont—stayed with multiple local residents in Orleans County and used their residences as places to prepare and distribute controlled substances. The last residence Byrd occupied for that purpose was in Barton, Vermont. Investigators performed multiple controlled purchases involving Byrd and his coconspirators in that time, including one purchase of fentanyl directly from Byrd in April 2023.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest noted that this case was part of a sustained joint federal, state, county and local law enforcement investigation into drug-and-firearms-trafficking activities in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. He stated that the United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to its partnerships in the Kingdom and their long-term, in-depth investigations. U.S. Attorney Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Northeast Vermont Drug Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department; the Newport Police Department; the Air & Marine Operations division of Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Byrd was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls and defense attorney Arthur Ruben, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on October 31, 2024 a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Luis Edison Capellan-Ortiz, 49, of the Dominican Republic, with illegally reentering the United States after being removed for the commission of an aggravated felony.

Capellan-Ortiz entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on November 8, 2024, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. On October 21, 2024, at Capellan-Ortiz’s initial appearance, Judge Doyle previously ordered that Capellan-Ortiz be detained during the pendency of this matter.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Capellan-Ortiz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Capellan-Ortiz 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.

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

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Capellan-Ortiz is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara M. Puls.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Adam Champagne, 42, a Burlington native who currently has no stable residence, pleaded not guilty on November 8, 2024 in United States District Court in Burlington to a charge of bank robbery. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle ordered that Champagne be held without bail pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

On October 24, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Champagne with robbing a bank on Shelburne Road in South Burlington on September 25, 2024. According to court records, Champagne told the bank teller that he had a bomb in a bag he was carrying. Local law enforcement arrested Champagne on this charge on November 7. According to court records, Champagne is suspected of robbing three other banks in the Burlington area since last summer.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the indictment is merely an accusation and that Champagne is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

If convicted, Champagne faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.

This case was investigated by the South Burlington, Burlington, and Essex police departments,  as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Champagne is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Julio Cesar Romero-Paredes, 46, of Venezuela, has been charged by criminal complaint with unlawfully possessing a firearm as an individual illegally present in the United States, and illegal reentry into the United States after having previously departed while under an order of removal.

Romero-Paredes’s initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle has not been scheduled at this time.

According to court records, on November 7, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., the driver of a distinctive motorcycle illegally entered the United States by driving around barriers placed near the Haskell Library in Derby Line, Vermont. Customs and Border Protection Officers stationed at nearby ports of entry assisted in locating the motorcycle, which entered onto Interstate 91 and was headed southbound. CBP Officers located the vehicle near Exit 28 on Interstate 91, and performed a traffic stop. The motorcycle, which bore a Georgia registration, was being operated by Romero-Paredes. Romero-Paredes was taken into custody by CBP Officers. An inventory search of Romero-Paredes’s motorcycle, including the bags affixed to the motorcycle, revealed a fully loaded Walther Model P22 .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol (with one round in the chamber), five additional magazines containing approximately 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammo, two Glock magazines with approximately 30 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, and a suspected suppressor that threaded onto the barrel of the Walther pistol. Agents also located in the bags affixed to the motorcycle several handcuff keys, multiple knives, a collapsible steel baton, zip ties, and cell phones. Immigration records revealed that Romero-Paredes had initially entered the United States in 2005 with a visitor’s visa. Romero-Paredes was ordered removed from the United States by an immigration judge on or about March 18, 2022, in Dallas, Texas.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Romero-Paredes is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Romero-Paredes faces up to 15 years of imprisonment if convicted of the firearm charge, and up to 2 years of imprisonment if convicted of the immigration charge. 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.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of Customs and Border Protection to quickly apprehend Romero-Paredes, and the investigatory assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Romero-Paredes has not yet been appointed or retained counsel.

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

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on Friday, November 1, 2024, Nasir Hussain, also known as “Sonu”, 31, of Orlando, Florida was convicted in U.S. District Court in Rutland of wire fraud conspiracy after a four-day jury trial. U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante ordered that Hussain remain in jail pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. Hussain has been held without bail since his arrest in July 2023.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Hussain recruited a number of people to open bank accounts using false information. Those bank accounts were used to funnel proceeds from defrauded victims who lived in Vermont, California, and elsewhere in the United States. Under the fraud scheme, the victim would receive calls, emails or both – purportedly from well-known retail establishments about charges to the victim’s account. The victim was asked to call a certain number and eventually download software to enable the caller to view the screen of the victim’s computer to “refund” the charge if the victim desired.

In reality, however, that software enabled the caller to access the victim’s computer remotely – not just view the screen. The caller then pretended to cancel the requested service at the victim’s request and provide the requested refund. The caller made it look like they had provided too large of a refund, often by moving around money from the victim’s own accounts. When the victim went to return what they thought was the over-refund, they were actually giving away their own money. The callers told their victims to send their money to the bank accounts that Hussain and his conspirators had opened. From there, Hussain and his conspirators funneled the victims’ funds to various individuals in India.

Based on the jury’s verdict, Hussain faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. In a separate case still pending, Hussain faces charges of knowingly making false statements in connection with his application for permanent residence status. Hussain faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on that charge. The actual sentence will be determined with reference to Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

“Fraud schemes like the one perpetrated by Hussain are complex and tend to prey on vulnerable victims,” said United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “These fraud schemes are also far too common and require vigilance by community members and law enforcement alike. This case demonstrates that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners hold perpetrators of cybercrime accountable. Moving forward, we will continue to investigate and prosecute these fraud schemes and also provide education to the community on how to avoid becoming a victim.”

“Mr. Hussain is a scam artist involved in a sophisticated criminal network that targeted innocent victims and robbed them of their hard-earned money,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office.  “The FBI will continue to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to identify and disrupt any individual or criminal organization looking to use technology to scam our citizens.”

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest also commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance during trial.

At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugenia P. Cowles and Colin Owyang represented the government. Kevin Henry, Esq. of Primmer, Piper, Eggleston & Cramer, PC represented Hussain.

Burlington, Vermont – A New England doctor pleaded guilty today to conspiring to illegally distribute controlled substances. This is the first joint prosecution of a doctor by the Justice Department’s New England Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.

“The defendant, a medical doctor based in New England, prescribed drugs to vulnerable patients in exchange for cash, knowing the patients were diverting the drugs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The cases brought by the New England Strike Force, including today’s conviction, demonstrate the Criminal Division’s commitment to holding accountable medical professionals who endanger local communities by putting profits above their patients’ wellbeing.”

“When we announced the creation of the New England Strike Force, we said we would be focusing on medical professionals who put profits over their patients,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont. “Khan is an example of that — a bad apple in a profession that takes an oath to uphold ethical standards and treat patients as you would want to be treated. Putting profits over patients is a severe violation of that oath, and, in this case, a violation of federal criminal law. Today’s guilty plea is another step in holding Khan liable for his illegal conduct.”

According to court documents, Adnan S. Khan, M.D., 48, of Grantham, New Hampshire, conspired with others to illegally distribute controlled substances through his business, New England Medicine and Counseling Associates (NEMCA), which operated a network of clinics in New England that purportedly provided clinical treatment services for persons suffering from substance use disorder. Khan and a co-conspirator prescribed controlled substances to NEMCA patients despite knowing that their patients were diverting the prescriptions. Khan admitted that he and others required cash for purported office visits to received controlled substance prescriptions and falsified medical records to justify his illegal prescribing practices.

During the conspiracy, Khan emailed a co-conspirator a Justice Department press release  announcing the creation of the New England Strike Force, a law enforcement partnership whose purpose is to identify and prosecute health care fraud and other criminal schemes impacting the New England region. In response, the co-conspirator stated that it is “clear that [references in the release to] ‘making profit off of patients’ is geared towards folks like us. Curious where this will lead.” Khan then emailed NEMCA staff and stated that “there is a new task force…[for the New England states] on the lookout for medical professionals who are prescribing scheduled meds irresponsib[ly], etc.” Khan warned his staff that “[i]t is not a matter of if someone from such a task force will visit NEMCA but rather a matter of time.” Khan then ordered his staff “NOT to engage or discuss anything [with the  New England Strike Force] about NEMCA, what we do, what we offer, fees, etc.”

“Rather than providing responsible addiction treatment to his patients, Khan ran his medical practice with the corruption and recklessness of a common drug dealer,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “His actions put patients and the community at risk. Today’s guilty plea is the result of a coordinated effort with our law enforcement partners as we continue our fight against addiction and the opioid epidemic.”

“Khan and his co-conspirator exploited vulnerable patients and cashed in on the very dependencies he was entrusted to treat,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office. “Today’s plea proves he is no better than a street level drug dealer motivated by pure greed as opposed to the oath he took to ‘first, do no harm’ to his patients. The FBI will continue to work with our partners on the New England Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify and bring to justice any practitioner looking to line their pockets in complete disregard for patient welfare and viability of our healthcare framework.”

“Our communities deserve honest and trustworthy medical practitioners,” said Acting Diversion Program Manager George J. Lutz Jr. of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s New England Field Division. “Individuals betraying this trust through the illegal prescribing of controlled substances will be fully investigated by the DEA. Today’s guilty plea reinforces the value of the coordinated efforts with our law enforcement partners working alongside prosecutors to hold corrupt and reckless practitioners accountable for their actions.”

“So many Vermonters have been impacted by the opioid epidemic, which is why we must hold bad actors accountable, particularly physicians who use their prescribing power and their positions of authority to profit from their patients’ pain and suffering,” said Vermont Attorney General Charity R. Clark on behalf of the office’s Medicaid Fraud & Residential Abuse Unit. “I am proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice in this effort.”

Khan and a co-conspirator required patients — many of whom were economically disadvantaged — to pay $250 cash in exchange for drug prescriptions, despite many of these patients’ having health care benefit coverage. If a patient could not afford the full cash payment, Khan would lower the dosage of that patient’s prescription. Khan then used funds that he earned from these patients to, among other things, purchase an airplane and multiple properties in New England. Khan would also personally deposit the cash that he received from patients, including deposits in excess of $10,000, at his bank.

Khan also admitted that he and a co-conspirator discussed their concern that, because pharmacies were no longer willing to fill the prescriptions, NEMCA might lose “dishonest” patients who were “selling their meds.” Khan said that their “honest patients” were “the smaller part of [NEMCA’s] clientele” and advised a co-conspirator that “it’s the diverters [of the drugs that] we need to try to figure out a way to retain.” A co-conspirator emailed Khan, suggesting that they give $100 “scholarships” to patients who owed them money. Khan responded he was “[s]tuck on ‘who’ should get them. S[******] patients owe me so much that $100 won’t even put a dent on their account and they probably won’t appreciate it. Maybe the borderline ones who are just over the $250 threshold? They would probably get on their knees in gratitude.”

Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to illegally distribute controlled substances. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled on a later date. Khan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

As a condition of Khan’s release, he is prohibited from writing prescriptions for controlled substances.

The HHS-OIG, FBI, DEA, and Vermont Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit investigated the case.

The Fraud Section partners with federal and state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country to prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75% of its funding from HHS-OIG under a grant award totaling $1,229,616 for federal fiscal year 2024. The remaining 25%, totaling $409,870 for federal fiscal year 2024, is funded by the State of Vermont.

Anyone needing access to opioid treatment services can contact HHS-OIG’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 National Helpline for referrals to treatment services at 1-800-662-4359.

A New England doctor pleaded guilty today to conspiring to illegally distribute controlled substances. This is the first joint prosecution of a doctor by the Justice Department’s New England Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.

“The defendant, a medical doctor based in New England, prescribed drugs to vulnerable patients in exchange for cash, knowing the patients were diverting the drugs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The cases brought by the New England Strike Force, including today’s conviction, demonstrate the Criminal Division’s commitment to holding accountable medical professionals who endanger local communities by putting profits above their patients’ wellbeing.”

“When we announced the creation of the New England Strike Force, we said we would be focusing on medical professionals who put profits over their patients,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont. “Khan is an example of that — a bad apple in a profession that takes an oath to uphold ethical standards and treat patients as you would want to be treated. Putting profits over patients is a severe violation of that oath, and, in this case, a violation of federal criminal law. Today’s guilty plea is another step in holding Khan liable for his illegal conduct.”

According to court documents, Adnan S. Khan, M.D., 48, of Grantham, New Hampshire, conspired with others to illegally distribute controlled substances through his business, New England Medicine and Counseling Associates (NEMCA), which operated a network of clinics in New England that purportedly provided clinical treatment services for persons suffering from substance use disorder. Khan and a co-conspirator prescribed controlled substances to NEMCA patients despite knowing that their patients were diverting the prescriptions. Khan admitted that he and others required cash for purported office visits to received controlled substance prescriptions and falsified medical records to justify his illegal prescribing practices.

During the conspiracy, Khan emailed a co-conspirator a Justice Department press release  announcing the creation of the New England Strike Force, a law enforcement partnership whose purpose is to identify and prosecute health care fraud and other criminal schemes impacting the New England region. In response, the co-conspirator stated that it is “clear that [references in the release to] ‘making profit off of patients’ is geared towards folks like us. Curious where this will lead.” Khan then emailed NEMCA staff and stated that “there is a new task force…[for the New England states] on the lookout for medical professionals who are prescribing scheduled meds irresponsib[ly], etc.” Khan warned his staff that “[i]t is not a matter of if someone from such a task force will visit NEMCA but rather a matter of time.” Khan then ordered his staff “NOT to engage or discuss anything [with the  New England Strike Force] about NEMCA, what we do, what we offer, fees, etc.”

“Rather than providing responsible addiction treatment to his patients, Khan ran his medical practice with the corruption and recklessness of a common drug dealer,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “His actions put patients and the community at risk. Today’s guilty plea is the result of a coordinated effort with our law enforcement partners as we continue our fight against addiction and the opioid epidemic.”

“Khan and his co-conspirator exploited vulnerable patients and cashed in on the very dependencies he was entrusted to treat,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office. “Today’s plea proves he is no better than a street level drug dealer motivated by pure greed as opposed to the oath he took to ‘first, do no harm’ to his patients. The FBI will continue to work with our partners on the New England Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify and bring to justice any practitioner looking to line their pockets in complete disregard for patient welfare and viability of our healthcare framework.”

“Our communities deserve honest and trustworthy medical practitioners,” said Acting Diversion Program Manager George J. Lutz Jr. of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s New England Field Division. “Individuals betraying this trust through the illegal prescribing of controlled substances will be fully investigated by the DEA. Today’s guilty plea reinforces the value of the coordinated efforts with our law enforcement partners working alongside prosecutors to hold corrupt and reckless practitioners accountable for their actions.”

“So many Vermonters have been impacted by the opioid epidemic, which is why we must hold bad actors accountable, particularly physicians who use their prescribing power and their positions of authority to profit from their patients’ pain and suffering,” said Vermont Attorney General Charity R. Clark on behalf of the office’s Medicaid Fraud & Residential Abuse Unit. “I am proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice in this effort.”

Khan and a co-conspirator required patients — many of whom were economically disadvantaged — to pay $250 cash in exchange for drug prescriptions, despite many of these patients’ having health care benefit coverage. If a patient could not afford the full cash payment, Khan would lower the dosage of that patient’s prescription. Khan then used funds that he earned from these patients to, among other things, purchase an airplane and multiple properties in New England. Khan would also personally deposit the cash that he received from patients, including deposits in excess of $10,000, at his bank.

Khan also admitted that he and a co-conspirator discussed their concern that, because pharmacies were no longer willing to fill the prescriptions, NEMCA might lose “dishonest” patients who were “selling their meds.” Khan said that their “honest patients” were “the smaller part of [NEMCA’s] clientele” and advised a co-conspirator that “it’s the diverters [of the drugs that] we need to try to figure out a way to retain.” A co-conspirator emailed Khan, suggesting that they give $100 “scholarships” to patients who owed them money. Khan responded he was “[s]tuck on ‘who’ should get them. S[******] patients owe me so much that $100 won’t even put a dent on their account and they probably won’t appreciate it. Maybe the borderline ones who are just over the $250 threshold? They would probably get on their knees in gratitude.”

Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to illegally distribute controlled substances. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled on a later date. Khan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

As a condition of Khan’s release, he is prohibited from writing prescriptions for controlled substances.

The HHS-OIG, FBI, DEA, and Vermont Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and Danielle H. Sakowski of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Gilman for the District of Vermont are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section partners with federal and state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country to prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75% of its funding from HHS-OIG under a grant award totaling $1,229,616 for federal fiscal year 2024. The remaining 25%, totaling $409,870 for federal fiscal year 2024, is funded by the State of Vermont.

Anyone needing access to opioid treatment services can contact HHS-OIG’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 National Helpline for referrals to treatment services at 1-800-662-4359.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on November 1, 2024, defendant Scott Jamie Ashness, 44, most recently of Stuart, Florida, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 48 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Ashness previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud, passport fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to court records, in September and October of 2023, Ashness entered fifteen different bank branches in Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire and pretended to be a total of eight different individuals in order to withdraw U.S. currency from those individuals’ accounts. On twelve of those fifteen occasions, Ashness was successful and walked out of the banks with the cash that he requested. In total, Ashness stole $80,150 from other individuals’ bank accounts, and he attempted to steal another $22,800. In some instances, Ashness presented to bank employees falsified U.S. passport cards or state driver’s licenses containing others’ biographical information and Ashness’s photograph.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated: “Fraud and identity theft are among the most serious crimes. They have the potential to cause significant financial harm to individual victims and also undermine the integrity and trust that institutions and individuals rely on every day in the United States. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to raise awareness about crimes like those committed by the defendant and will work with our federal partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute these types of offenses.” U.S. Attorney Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Diplomatic Security Service’s St. Albans Resident Office. He also thanked the Derry, New Hampshire Police Department, the Vermont State Police, the South Burlington Police Department, the Essex Police Department, the Winooski Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, the Newport Police Department, and the Barre Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.

Special Agent in Charge Matthew O’Brien of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Boston Field Office said, “The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to working with the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate allegations related to passports in identity theft crimes. And DSS’s global network of special agents working together to interdict passport crimes is vital to bringing those who commit these crimes to justice.”

The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Ashness was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth and Christopher Dall, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that James Plunkett, 39, of Burlington, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with bank robbery.

On November 4, 2024, Plunkett appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered Plunkett detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, on the morning of October 26, 2024, Plunkett is alleged to have robbed the M&T Bank on Pine Street in Burlington. Plunkett is alleged to have entered the bank, told the bank tellers that he had a bomb in his fanny pack, and ordered them to give him money. Plunkett did not conceal his face during the robbery. Plunkett received $683.00 in cash and left the area.

Plunkett was identified from the M&T bank robbery video footage after review by law enforcement and community members who knew Plunkett and provided tips to law enforcement.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Plunkett is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Plunkett faces up to 20 years 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.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department, the Winooski Police Department, the South Burlington Police Department, the Vermont State Police’s Northern Vermont Drug Task Force, the Colchester Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Milton Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti. Plunkett is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on November 4, 2024, Quentin Dingle, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Dingle previously pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

According to court records, law enforcement in Burlington learned that Dingle was selling cocaine base in the early spring of 2023. Law enforcement conducted five separate controlled purchases from Dingle over the next several months. Then, on September 26, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on two storage units which Dingle controlled. In the storage units, law enforcement found 35.4 grams of fentanyl, 7.7 grams of cocaine base, 3.5 grams of fentanyl laced with xylazine, 2.58 grams of p-fluorofentanyl, other evidence of narcotics distribution, and a Beretta .380 caliber handgun.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt and Joshua L. Banker. Dingle was represented by William A. Vasiliou, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on November 4, 2024, Dwayne Walcott (a/k/a “Moo”) of Brooklyn, New York was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 52 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Walcott previously pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base.

According to court records, on August 9, 2023, Walcott sold cocaine base to another person inside of a residence in Winooski, Vermont. During that drug transaction, Walcott cooked cocaine from powder into cocaine base on a stove inside of the house. Investigators executed a federal search and seizure warrant at the residence on October 31, 2023 and found cocaine base, drug paraphernalia, and a shotgun inside of the residence. Walcott was arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant on December 19, 2023 in a hotel room in Williston, Vermont. From inside of the hotel room, law enforcement located over $8,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia.

Walcott’s co-defendant, Justin Bolio, pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges for his role in the offenses and was sentenced to time served by Chief Judge Reiss on September 16, 2024.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Winooski Police Department, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig. Walcott was represented by Natasha Sen, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on October 31, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging  Douglas Reynolds, 36, recently of New Hampshire, with one count of possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. An arraignment has not yet been scheduled.

Reynolds is currently in New Hampshire state custody, and his arraignment will occur once he is brought into federal custody.

According to court records, Reynolds illegally possessed three firearms on or about January 17, 2024.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Reynolds is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Reynolds faces up to 15 years of incarceration 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.

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

The prosecutor in this matter is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Reynolds has not yet retained nor been appointed counsel.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Anthony Seagroves, 32, of Hinesburg, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with Possessing Ammunition as a Convicted Felon.

On October 31, 2024, Seagroves appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Seagroves be detained pending a detention hearing to be held tomorrow, November 1, 2024.

According to court records, Seagroves was encountered by Burlington Police Department Officers on the afternoon of October 14, 2024, while the officers were conducting a welfare check on multiple 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. In May of 2019, Seagroves had been convicted of a felony offense, and was therefore prohibited from possessing the ammunition located within the PMF.

Also according to court records, 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 as the person seen exiting the passenger side of the vehicle shortly after the owner had located it. The owner consented to a search of the vehicle, and Hinesburg Police located a loaded Sig Sauer P365 9-millimeter pistol on the passenger floorboard.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Seagroves is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Seagroves faces up to fifteen 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.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest 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 Jonathan A. Ophardt. Seagroves is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on October 29, 2024, Eddie Melendez (a/k/a “Bart”), 31, of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 68 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Eddie Melendez previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with numerous other individuals to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base in and around Rutland, Vermont.

According to court records, Melendez was the leader of a drug distribution organization that had been transporting hundreds of grams of cocaine base and thousands of bags of heroin/fentanyl from Massachusetts to the Rutland, Vermont area on a regular basis since at least late 2019 or early 2020 until January 2024. During the course of the conspiracy, Melendez and his associates used Rutland area hotels and at least five private residences as locations to sell illegal drugs. More than a dozen associates of Melendez were involved in distributing controlled substances for his drug trafficking organization or hosting its operations within their residences, and Melendez stipulated that he coordinated the drug activities of the organization. Investigators completed fourteen controlled purchases into Melendez’s drug trafficking organization between August 2023 and January 2024.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Turner and Jonathan Ophardt. Melendez was represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Jason McGrath, 44, of South Burlington, Vermont has been charged by criminal complaint with enticing minors to produce child sexual abuse material.

On October 29, 2024, McGrath appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that McGrath be detained pending a detention hearing on Friday, November 1, 2024.

According to court records, between March 25, 2023 and September 26, 2024, McGrath used an on-line chat application to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce minors to produce child pornography, now referred to as child sexual abuse material. McGrath explicitly sought young girls via the on-line application, requested others to sexually abuse them, and sought video and visual depictions of the abuse. McGrath also is alleged to have paid money in exchange for child sexual abuse materials, including by sending funds through an online payment system to a country in Southeast Asia known to law enforcement as a location where child-sex-trafficking networks operate.

On the afternoon of October 28, 2024, McGrath was detained by Customs and Border Protection while reentering the United States from Canada. While McGrath was detained, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his South Burlington residence. During the search warrant execution, law enforcement located a substantial amount of computing equipment, including a high-performance gaming computer, an enterprise-level server rack (including a router, network switch, and network area storage), and other equipment that collectively is capable of storing and processing large amounts of data. Review of this equipment by law enforcement is ongoing.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that McGrath is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. McGrath faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, and 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.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. McGrath 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.

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Jennifer LaBonte, 45, of Essex Junction, Vermont pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Rutland to a charge of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Mary K. Lanthier released LaBonte on conditions pending sentencing, which is scheduled for March 4, 2025.

On October 2, 2024, the United States Attorney filed an information charging LaBonte with a single count of wire fraud. That is the charge to which she pleaded guilty. According to the information, between 2001 and January 2024, LaBonte was employed by automobile dealerships located in Burlington. From about 2012 until her termination, LaBonte served as office manager for the dealerships, a position that gave her oversight over all accounting matters. LaBonte had check-signing authority.

The information charges that, beginning no later than 2013, LaBonte began embezzling from the dealerships. For the most part, LaBonte stole cash receipts that had been paid by dealership customers, but she also issued checks to herself for non-business-related purposes. LaBonte tried to cover up her thefts by manipulating and falsifying entries about individual transactions in the dealerships’ computerized accounting systems. An officer at the dealerships uncovered the fraud in January 2024, and LaBonte was immediately fired. The total loss resulting from her embezzlement is about $191,000. In court, the parties announced that LaBonte has provided the dealerships with a check that repaid them in full for the stolen funds.

LaBonte faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

LaBonte is represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Terry Russ, 42, of Grafton, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing a firearm, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a felony.

On October 23, 2024, Russ appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Russ be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, a search warrant was executed at Russ’s residence in Grafton on October 22, 2024. During execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered three firearms from the bedroom Russ had identified as his. An on-and-off housemate of Russ’s, who was also present, stated that he had purchased cocaine base and fentanyl/heroin from Russ in Russ’s bedroom and that Russ displayed a silver pistol next to the drugs he was selling. The housemate’s description of the silver pistol’s appearance was consistent with that of one of the firearms recovered from Russ’s bedroom.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Russ is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Russ faces up to 15 years 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.

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

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Russ is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – On October 23, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont honored a number of individuals from a variety of law enforcement agencies at the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony. Individual investigators and officers from federal, state, and local agencies were nominated by U.S. Attorney’s Office staff in a variety of categories for their outstanding work supporting the mission of this office and promoting public safety. The specific categories and individuals recognized today are as follows:

Investigative Achievement Award: This award criteria are established for those individuals, both sworn and non-sworn who have significantly contributed to the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

• Special Agent Samuel Brown, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – nominated for United States v. Carl Martin.
• Special Agent Brian Wood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – nominated for United States v. Carl Martin.
• Special Agent Nicholas Call, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley.
• Resident Agent in Charge Derek Roy, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley.
• Special Agent Jason Tilley, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley.
• Financial Investigator Joel Garland, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley.
• Special Agent Erin Nelligan, Homeland Security Investigations – nominated for United States v. Michael Burton.
• Special Agent Colin Simons, Federal Bureau of Investigation – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara.
• Detective Sergeant Karl Gardner, Vermont State Police – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara.
• Detective Trooper Steven Fauteux, Vermont State Police – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara.
• Detective Sergeant Aaron Lefebvre, St. Albans Police Department, former Detective with the Vermont Drug Task Force and the Newport Police Department – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara.

Outstanding Collaborative Investigation Award: This category is limited to those who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to overcome significant challenges in collaboration with multiple agencies in order to meet the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

• Special Agent Brian Wood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Special Agent Samuel Brown, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Detective Sergeant Philip Tremblay, Burlington Police Department
• Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer Durwin Ellerman, Burlington Police Department
• Sergeant Chase Vivori, Burlington Police Department
• Special Agent Erin Nelligan, Homeland Security Investigations
  • All nominated for outstanding collaborative investigation in United States v. Ronald Harris, et al.

• Special Agent Paul Altenburg, Homeland Security Investigations
• Special Agent Anders Ostrum, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation
• Criminal Analyst Nancy Woods, Homeland Security Investigations
• Resident in Charge Alex Zuchman, Homeland Security Investigations
• Special Agent Michael DeFiore, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, former Detective Corporal with the Vermont Drug Task Force and the South Burlington Police Department
• Detective Sergeant Dustin Robinson, Vermont State Police
• Detective Sergeant Philip Tremblay, Burlington Police Department
• Special Agent Aaron Dince, Homeland Security Investigations
• Special Agent Colin Simons, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Postal Inspector Jonathan Dunham, U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• Special Agent Brandon Hope, Drug Enforcement Administration
  • All nominated as their agency representatives for outstanding collaborative investigation for United States v. Dajuan Williams, et al.

Award recipients gathered today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by colleagues and family. Each recipient received an engraved award commemorating their outstanding efforts. U.S. Attorney Kerest stated: “This is one of the best days of the year when we have the chance to recognize law enforcement officers like today’s awardees in the presence of their families. Today’s awardees make the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office possible, and they do that work with the necessary support of their family and loved ones. We applaud their tireless work and the daily sacrifices they all make.”

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on October 21, 2024, Theodore Bland, 29, of Stowe, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 14 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a two-year term of supervised release. Bland previously pleaded guilty to possessing a Mossburg 12-gauge shotgun on March 17, 2023, while being an unlawful user of controlled substances and knowing that he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

According to court records, on March 17, 2023, Bland brandished a 12-gauge Mossburg Model 88 Maverick shotgun while threatening the driver of a vehicle in the parking lot of a South Burlington convenience store. The two female passengers that had been travelling with the threatened driver then got in Bland’s car. Bland and the two females then drove around for several hours, during which time Bland smoked cocaine base and continued to possess the shotgun. When Bland was stopped by the Vermont State Police, officers observed the Mossburg shotgun and various controlled substances located in the vehicle.

After the sentencing hearing, Bland was arraigned on a separate, pending indictment, which charges drug and firearms crimes. The United States issued a press release on that matter on September 19, 2024. Bland pleaded not guilty to those charges and was detained pending trial.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the South Burlington Police Department, the Vermont State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Stowe Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Morristown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Turner and Paul Van de Graaf. Bland is represented by David Sleigh, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Ernest Lamphere, 44, of Springfield, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to a gun possession charge before U.S. District Court Judge William K. Sessions III.

According to court records including the stipulated facts in the plea agreement between the parties, in late February 2024, Lamphere was subject to a State of Vermont relief from abuse order, which was sought by his family members and prohibited his possession of firearms. When law enforcement served the relief from abuse order on Lamphere on February 27 at his home, he turned over four firearms and also admitted opiate use. Two days later Lamphere was located alone in his vehicle, blocking the drive-thru lane at the McDonald’s in Springfield, Vermont and nodding off from illegal drug use. Lamphere had opiates in his system at the time. Along with significant quantities of illegal drugs located in his vehicle and on his person, Lamphere was also in possession of two AR-style rifles, a silencer, and assorted ammunition.

Lamphere pleaded guilty today to being a drug user in possession of a firearm, a charge which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. The actual sentence will be determined by the District Court with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors of the United States Code. If accepted by the court, the plea agreement signed by Lamphere and the government recommends (1) that sentencing be delayed for one year, and (2) that Lamphere receive a time-served sentence, to be followed by three years of supervised release, if he abides by the terms of the plea agreement during the intervening year.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Springfield, VT Police Department for their work on this case.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest has handled the case for the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth represents Ernest Lamphere.

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

Burlington, Vermont – United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jason Turner will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Turner has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Kerest said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).

United States Attorney Kerest stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Turner will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 802-651-8246.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

United States Attorney Kerest said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Jason Douglas, 40, of Highgate, Vermont, pleaded not guilty in United States District Court in Burlington on October 16, 2024 to a charge that he possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. At a subsequent hearing on October 17, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jerome Niedermeier ordered that Douglas be released on conditions that include home confinement during the pendency of the case.

On September 26, 2024, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a one-count indictment charging Douglas with unlawfully possessing a Ruger .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol as a convicted felon. According to court records, Douglas is barred from possessing firearms because he has two separate felony convictions in Vermont for kidnapping and burglary. The federal prosecution of Douglas stems from an incident in downtown Burlington on July 29, 2024, in which it is alleged that Douglas pointed a firearm at an individual in the middle of the day. Douglas was arrested shortly thereafter and law enforcement recovered a loaded pistol from the driver’s compartment of the car Douglas was driving. As a result of this incident, Douglas has also been charged in Vermont Superior Court with reckless endangerment.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the indictment is merely an accusation and that Douglas is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If convicted, Douglas faces up to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Douglas is represented by Federal Public Defender Mike Desautels. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on October 17, 2024, Jeremy Brown, 55, of Simi Valley, California, pleaded guilty to introducing into interstate commerce new drugs not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) with the intent to defraud or mislead.

According to court records, between March 2019 and December 2023, Brown operated a company, Warrior Labz SARMs, and accompanying websites through which he sold unapproved versions of prescription drugs and other substances. Specifically, Brown sold Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (“SARMs”), which are substances similar to anabolic steroids; unapproved versions of erectile-dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis; and unapproved versions of weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

Brown falsely claimed on his websites that the drugs offered for sale were for “research purposes only” and “not for human consumption.” Alongside those claims, however, were claims that the drugs would provide various benefits affecting the structure and function of the human body.

Brown obtained the bulk of the drugs he sold from China. Brown did not verify shipping or storage conditions, nor did he use a lab to verify the contents of the drugs he received from China. But he falsely claimed on his websites that his company used only the highest quality pharmaceutical grade ingredients and U.S. manufacturing practices.

After receiving a warning letter from the FDA in June 2023, Brown continued to sell unapproved drugs over the internet. Between August and December 2023, Brown made three sales of unapproved drugs to an undercover law enforcement account in Vermont.

Brown faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

“Drugs that are produced and distributed outside the FDA’s oversight present the risk of harm to the public health,” said Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillan, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office.  “We remain committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who attempt to subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA by distributing unapproved, and potentially dangerous, products.”

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Brown is represented by Rick Collins, Esq. and Lisa Shelkrot, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont — During Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont reaffirms our unwavering commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and promoting justice for all affected by domestic violence.

DVAM serves as a crucial opportunity to shed light on the profound impacts of domestic violence and emphasize the importance of collective action. Each year, millions of individuals are impacted by intimate partner violence, and far too many families endure the tragic consequences of domestic abuse. We are committed to ensuring that survivors are heard and perpetrators are held accountable and to strengthening partnerships with communities to prevent domestic violence.

This year is a special year to commemorate DVAM because it is also the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. In 1994, the passage of this landmark, bipartisan legislation transformed the way our nation addresses domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by increasing protections for survivors, providing critical federal resources to support a coordinated community response to these crimes, and awarding grants at the local, state, territory, Tribal, and national levels.

“At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are determined to use all of our tools to combat domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “To that end, we work with our partners in state, county, and local law enforcement to promote the rights of domestic violence victims and to hold domestic abusers accountable. Too often in these cases, we see the intersection of domestic violence and firearms. Safe firearm storage can help prevent this dangerous intersection. One of the tools we created with our partners is www.gunsafevt.org, a website where individuals can find resources for safe firearm storage. We encourage victims and survivors and anyone who works in support of survivors to use this resource.”

Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can have long-lasting impacts and consequences, and survivors in underserved communities are disproportionately impacted due to the lack of resources or barriers to accessing services. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.

We also encourage everyone to learn more about domestic violence and take steps to support friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who may be affected. By understanding the signs of abuse, providing a safe space for survivors, and connecting them to available resources, we can all play a role in creating safer communities.

Victims of domestic violence deserve safety, dignity, and justice. We are committed to prosecuting those who violate federal laws, collaborating with local law enforcement and prosecutors to identify domestic violence offenders who violate federal firearms prohibitions, and ensuring survivors have access to the resources they need for safety and healing. Together, we can bring hope to those in need and build a future free from domestic violence. For more information on resources, please see a PDF version of our 2023 Vermont Victim Services Resource Guide and the mobile downloadable version at https://vtvictimresources.com/.” 

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 30, 2024, Hasan Williams, 27, recently of Burlington, Vermont was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Williams previously pleaded guilty to possessing a loaded handgun after having been convicted of a felony, specifically assault and robbery in 2016.

According to court records, Burlington Police Department responded to a late-night call shortly after midnight between August 27-28, 2023 in downtown Burlington regarding a possible assault and possession of a firearm. When police arrived, they located Williams walking away from the call location and on the grounds of the Chittenden County Superior Court. Police approached Williams who denied being involved in the alleged assault. The police asked Williams if he had a gun on him and he replied that he did not. Williams was wearing a shoulder bag that the police stated they wanted to remove without looking inside, knowing that another recent call involved someone with a similar shoulder bag containing a gun. Williams refused to comply, turned his back on the officer and began reaching for the shoulder bag. Williams instigated an altercation with the officer, punching him in the head before four additional officers and a civilian helped restrain Williams. After the altercation, the zipper on Williams’s shoulder bag had opened, making plainly visible a handgun inside. Police obtained a search warrant for the shoulder bag which contained a loaded handgun.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated: “I want to thank the officers and agents of the Burlington Police Department and the ATF for their vigilance and care investigating and apprehending the defendant in this case, which is another example of members of law enforcement putting themselves at risk while protecting this community.”

“Firearms in the hands of violent felons are a major driver of additional violent crime in our communities,” said ATF Boston Field Division Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson. “The sentence handed down today delivers a clear message: violent offenders will be held accountable. ATF remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding our neighborhoods, with the reduction of gun violence as a top priority.”

“Getting violent criminals off the street is a key responsibility for law enforcement,” said Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad. “I’m grateful for our federal partners and the fair but effective sentences they win. The community is safer when such offenders are incarcerated not only because the offenders can’t hurt more people from prison, but also because these types of offenders tend to be ‘violence drivers,’ who make others around them more prone to violence, as well. Thanks to the great work by our officers and by the prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, that’s what happened here.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Owyang. Williams was represented by Timothy B. Fair, Esq. and Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven L. Barth.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Tyshan Murray, 43, of  Union, New Jersey has been charged by indictment with unlawfully transporting citizens of Ireland, who had entered the United States unlawfully.

On September 26, 2024, Murray appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle for an arraignment on the indictment and entered a plea of not guilty. Judge Doyle had previously ordered that Murray be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, on September 8, 2024, nine citizens of Ireland had crossed into the United States illegally in the vicinity of Drew Road in Richford, Vermont. Murray picked up these nine citizens near the U.S.-Canada border and transported them in his SUV, including two young children who were unrestrained in the rear cargo compartment.

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

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

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Murray is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Barclay Johnson. 

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that on April 25, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Travis Collins, age 42, formerly of Chittenden County, Vermont with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Collins entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on September 24, 2024 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Collins be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, on January 9, 2024, Collins was arrested in downtown Burlington, Vermont, on outstanding State of Vermont warrants. At the time he was arrested, Collins was wearing a backpack that contained a loaded pistol. The pistol, which had an obliterated serial number, was later determined to have been stolen. Collins was held in state custody until his appearance in federal court on September 24.

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

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Collins is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on September 12, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging  Theodore Bland, 29, of Stowe, Vermont, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, possession of cocaine base and fentanyl with intent to distribute, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and discharging that firearm during the commission of the offense.

Bland is currently scheduled to be sentenced on October 21, 2024, following his March 22, 2024, guilty plea to knowingly possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of controlled substances related to a March 17, 2023 event. The United States has filed a motion asking the Court to order Bland to remain in custody based on these new charges following the completion of any sentence imposed on October 21, 2024. Bland’s arraignment on the new charges will occur on a date to be determined by the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, at which the Court is anticipated to rule on the government’s detention motion.

According to court records, on October 12, 2023, Bland used, carried, and discharged a firearm, in relation to his drug trafficking activities. Also, according to court records, Bland’s October 12 firearm discharges caused the deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White. Bland used social media messaging to communicate with his co-conspirators regarding, among other topics, the procurement of controlled substances for distribution, the pricing of controlled substances for sale to drug customers, and the distribution of controlled substances to drug customers. Bland also used social media messaging to communicate with his co-conspirators following the homicides of Solomon and White on October 12, 2023, including communications about his attempts to conceal the homicides. Court documents also state that Bland induced others to help him move the bodies of Solomon and White to two wooded areas in Eden, Vermont, where the bodies were discovered by law enforcement on October 24 and 25, 2023.

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

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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 Paul Van de Graaf. Bland is represented by David Sleigh, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 16, 2024, Jonathan Mitchell, 33, of Meriden, Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 48 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Mitchell previously pleaded guilty to stealing three firearms and conspiring to straw-purchase a firearm from a federal firearms licensee in St. Albans, Vermont.

According to court records, in July of 2023, Mitchell provided a co-conspirator $300 to purchase a firearm for him from the gun shop in St. Albans. Mitchell could not legally purchase or possess the firearm himself because  of prior convictions arising out of an armed kidnapping and home invasion for which he was sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment. The transaction was delayed by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and, several days later, Mitchell and a second co-conspirator returned to the gun shop and stole three firearms from its inventory. Mitchell was arrested in Connecticut in November of 2023.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated, “Straw purchases and thefts of firearms lead to violence in our communities. It is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to keep Vermonters safe from violence, and, as this case exemplifies, we continue to use significant resources to address crimes associated with violence in Vermont.” U.S. Attorney Kerest also commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

“When firearms are stolen from federal firearm licensees, they often end up fueling gun violence in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division James M. Ferguson “We are grateful for the strong collaboration between our law enforcement partners and federal prosecutors, whose efforts are essential in investigating and prosecuting these critical cases. Together, we are working to keep our communities safer by preventing stolen guns from being used in violent crimes.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Burris. Mitchell was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 16, 2024, Justin Bolio, 38, of Winooski, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to time served to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Justin Bolio previously pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, on October 25, 2023 in Colchester, Vermont, Bolio sold cocaine base to a confidential informant who was acting at the direction of law enforcement. Several days later, on October 31, 2023, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Bolio’s residence in Winooski. At the time of the search warrant execution, law enforcement found Bolio at the residence, searched him, and found cocaine base and more than $500 in U.S. currency on his person. Investigators also located a High Standard 12-gauge shotgun in Bolio’s bedroom inside of the residence. In that same room, law enforcement found a piece of paper entitled “Justin Bolio serial numbers for my weapons” with a description and serial number for the High Standard shotgun written on the document. Bolio was prohibited from possession of a firearm because in October 2023, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Winooski Police Department, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig. Bolio was represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that on August 8, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging William McLaughlin, 45, from Bennington, VT, Samantha Danforth, 35, from Bennington, VT, and Keahnard Rowell, also known as “Stacks”, 34, from New York, NY, with conspiring to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl in 2022. The indictment also charges McLaughlin with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Rowell was arraigned on the charges on September 9, 2024, and entered a plea of not guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Rowell continue to be detained during the pendency of this matter.

McLaughlin’s and Danforth’s arraignment dates are yet to be set.

According to court records, Rowell was a top lieutenant in a violent drug organization run by McLaughlin in Bennington from approximately February to July 2022. Danforth managed much of the day-to-day operations alongside McLaughlin. The broader organization included Bennington residents who would allow their homes to be used for drug storage and/or distribution, and others who executed drug sales on behalf of McLaughlin. Rowell was also present for multiple violent events perpetrated by McLaughlin, including a severe beating of a woman McLaughlin believed had drawn attention to a drug-storage location, and a stabbing of a man McLaughlin believed owed him drug money.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Rowell, McLaughlin, and Danforth are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Rowell, McLaughlin, and Danforth all face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on these charges. The actual sentences, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

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

The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Corinne Smith and Paul Van de Graaf. Rowell is represented by Jason Sawyer, Esq. Counsel for McLaughlin and Danforth have not been identified yet.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on August 29, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a four count indictment charging Andy Soto, 32, of Jersey City, New Jersey, with conspiring to distribute controlled substances; possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine; possessing with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl; and possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Soto entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on September 3, 2024, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle previously had ordered that Soto be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, Soto was arrested by state authorities in North Troy, Vermont on July 24, 2024, in connection with the execution of a state search warrant at a residence where he had recently been staying. Law enforcement located over 600 grams of suspected cocaine powder, over 300 grams of suspected cocaine base, over 700 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 80 grams of suspected xylazine, approximately $46,000 in currency, and five loaded firearms from the bedroom identified as Soto’s. The majority of the suspected narcotics, the currency, and a loaded .40-caliber firearm were located in a safe bolted to the floor of that room. Soto had been the subject of a long-standing drug investigation, during which authorities conducted multiple controlled purchases involving Soto between July and December 2023.

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

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Northeast Vermont Drug Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations. This case is part of ongoing collaborative efforts between those agencies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to address drug and gun trafficking in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. 

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher. Soto is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Madison Carrig, 30, of Whitehall, New York, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to two counts of access device fraud. Chief Judge Christina Reiss released Carrig on conditions pending sentencing, which is scheduled for January 3, 2025.

On July 12, 2024, the United States Attorney filed an information charging Carrig with two counts of access device fraud. Carrig pleaded guilty to the information at today’s court hearing. According to the charging document, from September 2022 through November 27, 2023, Carrig defrauded the three car dealerships who employed her as office manager or controller by embezzling cash receipts received from customers of the dealerships, and misusing company credit cards to purchase goods and services for her own use and benefit.

Carrig faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police.

Carrig is represented by Natasha Sen, Esq. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 20, 2024, Bradley Saldi, 44, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 27 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Saldi previously pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine base.
  
According to court records, between May 15, 2023, and June 14, 2023, Saldi made four sales of controlled substances, cocaine base or fentanyl, to a confidential informant at the Highlander Motel in Rutland, Vermont, where Saldi was employed as a handyman.  Prior to these controlled purchases from Saldi, court records indicate that Saldi was involved in the drug trafficking activities of Jose Maldonado and Edgar Correa, who were previously convicted and sentenced in the District of Vermont for their illegal activities.  Saldi also participated with Maldonado and Correa in the assault of an individual related to a presumed drug debt.
  
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Rutland City Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Jason Turner. Saldi was represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq.

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 21, 2024, Scott Clark, 41, of Salisbury, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino to 78 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Clark previously pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen firearm on July 13, 2023.

According to court records, on September 23, 2022, Clark unlawfully entered a camper which had been parked at a campground in Salisbury, Vermont. While inside of the camper, Clark located and took possession of a Glock Model G23 .40 caliber pistol that belonged to the camper’s owner. Clark was confronted by a Vermont State Police trooper responding to complaints of a suspicious person attempting to break into campers at the campground. While Clark was being questioned he clandestinely removed the Glock from his person and provided it to his girlfriend, who was standing nearby and then placed the Glock in her purse. The Vermont State Police trooper observed the Glock in the girlfriend’s purse and seized the pistol.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt and Thomas J. Aliberti. Clark was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Ella Mae Woods, 76, a former Brattleboro resident who recently has been living in Iowa, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Rutland to twelve months and one day of imprisonment following her May 2024 guilty plea to a charge of wire fraud. Visiting U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino from the Northern District of New York ordered that Woods serve a one-year term of supervised release upon completion of her prison term and pay restitution in the amount of $328,000. Woods has been incarcerated since she was found to be in violation of the conditions of her pre-trial release in April.

In September 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Woods with wire fraud and theft of government money. The indictment charged Woods with misappropriating her mother’s Social Security benefit payments for about 28 years after her mother died. Woods’ mother, Jeannette Styles, died in Brattleboro in early 1994. At the time of her death, Styles was receiving monthly Social Security benefit payments and those payments should have stopped upon Styles’ death. The Social Security Administration, however, did not learn of Styles’ death until about 2022 and between 1994 and 2022 SSA continued to send payments to Styles. Woods fraudulently converted the payments to Styles for her own benefit. As part of the scheme, Woods twice opened bank accounts in her mother’s name, years after her death, in one case forging Styles’ signature on account-opening documents. Altogether, Woods misappropriated $328,000 in SSA payments.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commends the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration for its investigation of this case.

Woods is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels. The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Waples and Thomas Aliberti.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Stephen Loewe, 42, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, was charged by complaint with robbing the Claremont Savings Bank in Springfield, Vermont, on August 13, 2024. Mr. Loewe had his initial appearance in federal court yesterday afternoon and is currently detained in federal custody. A hearing will be held next Thursday to determine whether he will remain detained pending trial.

According to court records, Mr. Loewe committed a burglary of a Springfield, Vermont store in the early hours of August 13, 2024. Later that morning, he entered an M&T Bank branch in Springfield and demanded cash. Later that afternoon, he entered the Claremont Savings Bank in Springfield and demanded $500, stating in a note that it was a robbery. Mr. Loewe then stole a car from a gas station in Springfield. The next morning, on August 14, 2024, he entered an M&T Bank branch in Putney, Vermont, and again demanded cash, this time, $1500. Mr. Loewe was apprehended later that day and admitted to robbing the banks and using the money he stole to purchase cocaine base.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Mr. Loewe faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Any actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigative collaboration among the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Vermont State Police, Springfield Police Department, Brattleboro Police Department, Windham County Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The Assistant U.S. Attorney handling the prosecution is Corinne Smith. The Office of the Federal Public Defender has been appointed to represent Mr. Loewe.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that on August 12, 2024, Nicholas Melanson, 42, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to six months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Melanson previously pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of a stolen check. Chief Judge Reiss also ordered Melanson to pay $1,500 in restitution to the victim of his offense.

According to court records, over the course of nine days in May 2022, Melanson traveled on five different occasions from New Hampshire, where he lived and worked, to the residence of an elderly woman in Windsor, Vermont. Each time Melanson traveled to her residence, he picked her up and drove her to one or more banks where she had accounts. Once at the banks, she made withdrawals and conducted other transactions, and Melanson obtained checks and/or cash from her. The attempted or completed financial transactions that Melanson facilitated or conducted for the elderly woman totaled at least $392,000, though many of the transactions were ultimately stopped or reversed. Melanson received $1,500 cash and a $3,000 “bonus” payment for his role in the victimization of the woman, and he hoped to be paid $10,000 a month to continue manipulating her financial activities. Even though Melanson had never met the woman previously and only interacted with her those five times, he quickly observed that she was confused, opined that she was “starting to have Alzheimer’s,” and believed she was not able to make informed decisions about large financial transactions without guidance and instruction from someone else. Melanson’s conduct only stopped when he was arrested by the Windsor, Vermont Police Department at one of the victim’s banks on May 19, 2022.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the hard work and investigatory efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Windsor, Vermont Police Department, and he further thanked the Windsor Police Department for its efforts on behalf of the victim in this matter.

Melanson was represented in this matter by Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Cate and Michael Drescher handled the case for the government.

Since the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) was signed into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act. Please visit: http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on August 8, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging  Brenden Sackal, 31, of Rockville, Rhode Island, with possessing an unregistered machine gun and possessing a machine gun lacking an identification number, in violation of the National Firearms Act.

Sackal’s federal arraignment date has not yet been set. Sackal was scheduled to appear in Caledonia Superior Court today on related charges.

According to court records, Sackal is alleged to have knowingly possessed an unregistered machine gun that lacked a serial number, specifically a privately manufactured 5.56 caliber AR-type pistol, on July 14, 2024. The National Firearms Act requires registration of machine guns, as well as other specific types of dangerous weapons, and requires those types of dangerous weapons to be identified by serial number.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Sackal is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Sackal faces up to 10 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Vermont State Police. United States Attorney Kerest also commended the actions of United States Border Patrol, United States Customs and Border Protection, the Vermont State Police, and the Orleans County Sherriff’s Office in apprehending Sackal on July 14, 2024.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Sackal is not yet represented on the federal charges.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 5, 2024, Damien Peatman, 26, of Eden, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 29 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Peatman previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to court records, Peatman distributed over two kilograms of cocaine from February 2021 to December 2022 from his family home in Eden, Vermont. Peatman kept a handgun as part of his operation that he got from a drug customer as payment for drugs. When police searched Peatman’s residence, Peatman had a flag hung in his bedroom which read, “It’s not a crack house, it’s a crack home.” Witnesses described the Peatman residence as “the main place to go in Eden” to purchase cocaine. Peatman even used cocaine as a way to pay contractors for work done on the house.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nate Burris, Nicole Cate and Colin Owyang. Peatman was represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Jodi Lathrop, 55, of Bristol, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 15 months of imprisonment following her guilty plea to charges of wire fraud and federal tax evasion. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered that Lathrop pay restitution totaling approximately $479,000, pay a fine of $15,000, and serve a two-year period of supervised release following completion of her prison term. The court directed Lathrop to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on September 10, 2024 to begin serving her sentence.

In 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 19-count indictment charging Lathrop with 11 counts of mail and wire fraud; four counts of personal tax evasion; and four counts of aiding the preparation of false corporate tax returns. Lathrop pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion last December. In pleading guilty, Lathrop admitted that between 2014 and 2020, while serving as office manager and bookkeeper for Claire Lathrop Band Mill, Inc., a logging and woodchipping business in Bristol, she engaged in a scheme to embezzle from the business. Lathrop executed the scheme by using company credit cards to make personal purchases of goods and services; by using company funds to pay the personal credit card obligations of Lathrop and other family members; and by using company money to pay for other personal expenses. Lathrop concealed the embezzlement in several ways. Lathrop falsely recorded the unauthorized checks in CLBM’s books as checks for legitimate business expenses, wrote false notes on some checks so they appeared to be for legitimate business expenses, and caused CLBM to file false tax returns which falsely deducted Lathrop’s personal expenses as legitimate business expenses.

This case was investigated by the Vermont office of IRS-Criminal Investigation and by Homeland Security Investigations.

Lathrop was represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq. The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Waples.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 5, 2024, Manuel Francis, 48, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 11 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a two-year term of supervised release. Francis previously pleaded guilty to burglary of a pharmacy.

According to court records, late in the night on January 5, 2023, Francis broke into the Lakeside Pharmacy on Pearl Street, in Burlington, Vermont. Francis broke through the window of the pharmacy’s back door and kicked his way through the drywall to access the stock area where he stole: 37 60-mg tablets of buprenorphine; 55 packets of various dosages of Suboxone (buprenorphine); one vial of testosterone; and more than 400 tablets of various doses of clonazepam.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Colin Owyang. Francis was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on August 1, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment charging a Chinese woman, alleging she attempted to smuggle eastern box turtles, a protected wildlife species, from the United States to Canada for the illegal global pet trade.

Wan Yee Ng, 41, of Hong Kong, is charged with attempting to export merchandise contrary to law. Her arraignment has not yet been scheduled.

According to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint in this case, Ng, a Chinese national living in Canada, came to the attention of the United States Border Patrol at the Beecher Falls Station in Canaan, Vermont, after repeatedly renting the same Vermont residence on Lake Wallace, an international body of water that has been used for human and narcotic smuggling. The United States Border Patrol also discerned that Ng’s husband was renting a separate property on the lake in Canada at the same time.

On the morning of June 26, 2024, agents observed Ng begin to prepare an inflatable kayak near the water’s edge and carry a duffle bag from the rented residence to the kayak. During this time the Royal Canadian Mounted Police notified agents that two individuals, one of which was believed to be Ng’s spouse, had launched an inflatable watercraft on the Canadian side of Lake Wallace and began to paddle south toward the United States. Before she could leave the shore, agents intercepted Ng and detained her for suspected smuggling activity. Agents then observed, through a partially opened zipper on the duffle bag, what appeared to be socks that were moving. Further inspection revealed the bag contained 29 turtles that were individually wrapped in socks to protect their shells and so they could not move. The turtles were preliminarily identified by a United States Fish and Wildlife Special Agent as eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).

Photo of box turtles, from the complaint in case U.S. v. Wan Yee Ng. Credit: USBP

The eastern box turtle is a subspecies of the common box turtle and is native to forested regions of the eastern United States with some isolated populations in the Midwest. Turtles with colorful markings are especially prized in the domestic and foreign pet trade market, particularly in China and Hong Kong. These animals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement to protect fish, wildlife and plants that are or may become threatened with extinction. The United States and Canada are parties to this agreement. Smuggling wild turtles in violation of international protocols can seriously harm wildlife and undermine conservation efforts. Confiscated turtles are often in poor health and may need to be quarantined to reduce the risk of spreading disease.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Ng is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Ng faces up to 10 years if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and their seamless cooperation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti with assistance from Senior Counsel for Wildlife Programs Elinor Colbourn of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section. Ng is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont.  The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Bounthavong Sonthikoummane, 42, of White River Junction, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to an indictment charging him with possessing seven firearms as an unlawful user of controlled substances.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle released Sonthikoummane on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled.  
    
On June 12, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a multi-count superseding indictment charging Sonthikoummane  and his partner with bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, money laundering  and making false statements.  At the same time, the court issued a warrant for Sonthikoummane’s arrest.  On the morning of June 13, federal and local law enforcement officers went to Sonthikoummane’s White River Junction home to arrest the defendant.  While inside, officers and agents noticed a number of firearms and quantities of ammunition.  They also learned that Sonthikoummane was a heroin addict who soon went into withdrawal.  As an unlawful user of controlled substances, Sonthikoummane is prohibited from possessing firearms.  Law enforcement seized the weapons and ammunition, which included three pistols, three AR-style rifles and a shotgun.  On July 24, a federal grand jury returned an additional one-count indictment charging Sonthikoummane with unlawfully possessing those weapons and ammunition.   
    
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the new indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
    
If convicted on this charge, Sonthikoummane faces up to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.  The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.  
    
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
    
Sonthikoummane is represented by Christoper Dall.  The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Shane Hardy, 45, of Brooklyn, New York, was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, on December 21, 2023, charging Hardy with being a felon in possession of firearms. Judge Doyle ordered that Hardy be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, Hardy possessed six firearms, including AR-15- and AK-47-type weapons after having been convicted of numerous felonies in New York, including manslaughter. Hardy allegedly paid for the six firearms through a combination of drugs and discharging drug debts.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Hardy is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Hardy faces up to fifteen years or life in prison if convicted. The actual sentence would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance by the St. Albans Police Department in making the arrest.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Colin Owyang. Hardy is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Hussein Iman, age 20, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Joseph Cadorette, II, age 37, of Williamstown, Vermont, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base. Cadorette is scheduled to have his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont at 3:30 p.m. Iman’s initial appearance in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts remains pending.

According to court records, Iman, who also goes by “Q,” oversaw a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl and cocaine base in Vermont from March 2024 to July 2024. Individuals from the organization sold narcotics to undercover agents on multiple occasions. During one interaction, Iman boasted to an undercover agent about the potency of his raw fentanyl, conveying that it caused individuals to instantly overdose and that Narcan did not reverse the overdoses. The organization’s drug distribution locations included Cadorette’s fourteen-acre property on Pleasant Street in Williamstown, Vermont. There, undercover agents purchased thousands of dollars of fentanyl from individuals in a camper on the property and observed a homemade shooting range.

On July 24, 2024, law enforcement executed search and arrest warrants at Cadorette’s properties in Williamstown, Vermont and Iman’s residence in Springfield, Massachusetts. Among the items law enforcement recovered were multiple guns and suspected narcotics.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Iman and Cadorette are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Each defendant faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the present charges. The actual sentences would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Springfield (Massachusetts) Police Department, Hampden County (Massachusetts) Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Cate and Colin Owyang. Iman is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Cadorette is represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq. 

Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 24, 2024, Roosevelt Norris, 55, most recently of Rutland, Vermont was sentenced by United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford to time served to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Norris previously pleaded guilty to one count of distributing cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, in Rutland during the summer of 2023.

According to court records, during the summer of 2023, while he was dealing drugs from a hotel in Rutland, Norris was out of compliance with requirements that he register as a state sex offender. Norris’s prior sex offense involved the provision of cocaine to minor girls in exchange for sex. The United States advocated for a 21-month sentence consistent with the adjusted advisory sentencing range of 15 to 21 months of imprisonment provided by the United States sentencing guidelines. The Court imposed time served, or approximately 10 months of incarceration, and ordered Norris to be released to drug treatment.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest thanked the Vermont State Police’s Vermont Drug Task Force for their work in investigating Norris’s criminal conduct.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corrine M. Smith. Norris was represented by Michael J. Straub, Esq. 

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 24, 2024, Candace Walsh, 38, of Arlington, Vermont was sentenced by United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford to time served to be followed by three years of supervised release with a special condition requiring seven months of home confinement. Walsh previously pleaded guilty to lying about pending state charges when completing a form for the purchase of a firearm.

According to court records, in May 2023, Walsh purchased a SCCY CPX-2 9 mm firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Vermont. When completing required paperwork for the gun purchase, Walsh denied both being under indictment in a felony criminal case, and drug use, although in fact, Walsh was pending state felony charges and using drugs at the time of the purchase. The firearm Walsh purchased has not been recovered.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their work in investigating Walsh.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles. Walsh was represented by Michael Shklar, Esq.

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