District of Vermont

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Glen Buehler, 68, of Vernon, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday to a 30-month term of imprisonment, following his guilty plea to possessing child pornography, also referred to as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Buehler to serve a 15-year term of supervised release following his release from prison, and pay $33,000 in restitution to victims of his offense.

According to court records, on February 2, 2023, a Portsmouth, New Hampshire police detective was conducting an online investigation of the BitTorrent network, looking for individuals sharing CSAM. A BitTorrent user was identified as sharing likely CSAM files, and a download of some of those files occurred on the evening of February 2, 2023. After the source of the files was determined to likely be in Vermont, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Derby, Vermont. HSI’s investigation revealed the source of the files downloaded from BitTorrent to likely be Buhler’s residence in Vernon, Vermont. A federal search warrant was executed on April 3, 2023, resulting in the seizure of a number of Buehler’s electronic devices. A forensic examination of the devices revealed over 4,000 video and image files of CSAM. During an interview, Buehler admitted to agents that he had downloaded the materials, and also admitted he knew that others could obtain the materials from his devices using peer-to-peer software.

After Buehler appeared in federal court on charges of possessing CSAM, he was ordered released on pretrial conditions that included monitoring of his electronic devices. That monitoring revealed that Buehler continued to access CSAM while on pretrial release. A second federal search warrant was executed at Buehler’s residence on June 6, 2023, resulting in the seizure of additional electronic devices that were determined to contain CSAM. Buehler was thereafter remanded to custody for violating his conditions of release.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of agents of Homeland Security Investigations, the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department, the New Hampshire ICAC, the Vermont ICAC, and the detectives of the Office of the Vermont Attorney General’s Criminal Division. He also thanked the Vermont State Police and the Brattleboro Police Department for their assistance.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Buehler is represented by the Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino.

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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section(CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Samuel W. Blatt, age 32, of Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with bank robbery.

On Friday, March 15, 2024, following an investigation involving numerous law enforcement offices, Mr. Blatt was arrested in Burlington. He is currently being held on state charges. An initial appearance in U.S. District Court will be scheduled at a later date.

According to court records, investigators have tied Mr. Blatt to bank robberies in Essex, Johnson, and Winooski, as well as an attempted bank robbery in Burlington.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Mr. Blatt is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mr. Blatt faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. 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 investigative collaboration that occurred among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force, the police departments of Winooski, Burlington, Williston, Essex, and Milton, the Investigations Unit of Vermont DMV Enforcement and Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Border Patrol, the Sheriff’s Departments of Grand Isle and Lamoille Counties, and the Vermont State Police.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Colin Owyang. Counsel is yet to be appointed for Mr. Blatt.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that three defendants have been sentenced in connection with drug charges related to the trafficking of cocaine base in Rutland, Vermont, concluding yesterday with the sentencing of Danielle Richardson. The three defendants are: Christopher Moton, 29, of North Charleston, South Carolina; Maurice Pompey, 35, of Anderson, South Carolina; and Danielle Richardson, 31, of Poultney, Vermont. Moton previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, while Pompey and Anderson pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base.

According to court records, law enforcement conducted multiple covert purchases of controlled substances from Pompey and Richardson between August and October of 2022. Both Pompey and Richardson were linked to 116 State Street, Apartment #4, in Rutland, Vermont. On October 24, 2022, a federal search warrant was obtained authorizing the search of the apartment. The search resulted in the seizure of two handguns and suspected cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl. Moton was inside of the apartment when law investigators executed the warrant. Richardson was arrested during a traffic stop and found in possession of cocaine base at the time of her arrest.

United States District Judge Christina Reiss imposed the following sentences:

• Christopher Moton – 18 Months of Imprisonment to be followed by Three Years of Supervised Release;
• Maurice Pompey – Time Served to be followed by Three Years of Supervised Release;
• Danielle Richardson – Time Served to be followed by Two Years of Supervised Release.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the coordinated investigatory efforts of the Rutland Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force, the Vermont State Police, and the Manchester Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Zachary Stendig.

Moton was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq. Pompey was represented by Richard Bothfeld, Esq. Richardson was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls, 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 stated that Lamont Hudgins, 42, of Staten Island, New York, has been indicted by a federal grand jury with distributing cocaine base at Decker Towers, a Burlington Housing Authority high-rise for elderly and disabled residents. Hudgins was arraigned on March 11, 2024 and is detained pending further proceedings. 

According to court records, in 2018, Hudgins was convicted of distribution of heroin and marijuana in the District of Vermont and sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. A complaint filed in this case alleges that, in 2023 and 2024, Hudgins distributed cocaine base and fentanyl to a confidential informant on at least seven occasions in and around Decker Towers.  

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Hudgins is presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted of a crime. Hudgins faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Burlington Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Northwest Vermont Drug Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith is handling the prosecution. Mark A. Kaplan, Esq., represents Hudgins.

Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Paul Hendler, 52, of Burlington, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to a total of 36 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a federal forgery charge. As part of these court proceedings, Hendler also admitted that he violated the terms of his supervised release on an earlier federal fraud conviction. Chief Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered that Hendler serve 26 months on the forgery case and a consecutive 10-month term for violating supervised release. This combined 36-month term represented an upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines. The court ordered that Hendler serve an additional three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. It also ordered Hendler to pay restitution in the amount of $80,000. Hendler has been detained without bail since entering his guilty plea last summer.
  
In 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont first charged Hendler in a wide-ranging fraud indictment that accused him of committing a variety of frauds against individuals and businesses. Hendler eventually pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, and in 2015, was sent to prison. The court also ordered Hendler to pay restitution to multiple victims in a total amount of about $555,000. When Hendler was released from prison, he began a three-year term of supervised release. As a condition of supervised release, the court ordered Hendler to pay 10% of his gross monthly income toward his restitution obligation. Hendler’s release was supervised by the U.S. Probation Office in Vermont, and Hendler was required to submit monthly supervision reports to the Probation Office that included disclosures about monthly earnings and other cash inflows.

On January 27, 2022, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a two-count indictment that charged Hendler with forgery and making false statements. According to the indictment, between 2019 and January 2021, Hendler performed some consulting and other work for a business that operated two restaurants in South Hero, Vermont. In 2020, Hendler took possession of the company’s checkbook. Between 2019 and January 2021, the indictment alleges, Hendler embezzled tens of thousands of dollars from the business by stealing cash receipts generated by the restaurants, forging the business owner’s signature on checks Hendler made out to himself, and by fraudulently inducing the owner to give him blank checks, signed by her, which Hendler then made payable to himself.

The second count of the indictment accused Hendler of making materially false statements to the U.S. Probation Office in his monthly supervision reports. According to the indictment, the reports Hendler filled out and gave to Probation significantly underreported the amount of money Hendler was receiving from the South Hero restaurant business.

Hendler pleaded guilty to the forgery charge in July 2023. At that time, he also admitted that he violated his supervised release by not paying restitution in a timely way to the victims of his first indictment.

This case was investigated by the Boston Office of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration, and U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest commends the investigators for their excellent work.

Hendler is represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq. and Amanda Hemley, Esq..  The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
 

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jennifer Stocker, 46, of New Haven, Vermont was sentenced on Friday, March 8, 2024, in United States District Court in Burlington for making false statements to a credit union on an application for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, and for violating conditions of probation related to Stocker’s 2018 false statements conviction. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Stocker to a four-month term of imprisonment for the PPP loan offense, and a consecutive 30-day term of imprisonment for the violation of conditions of probation. After she is released from custody, Stocker will be subject to a three-year term of supervised release.

According to court records, in 2018, Stocker pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Burlington to making false statements in applications for benefits funded by federal agencies. For that 2018 offense, Stocker was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $140,000 in restitution. Then, while on probation in May 2020, Stocker falsely stated on a PPP loan application for Twelve Acres LLC, an entity that she co-owned, that she had not been convicted of a felony in the past five years and was not on probation. Stocker submitted a second PPP loan application in February 2021 and again included a false statement about her criminal history. Both PPP loan applications were approved, and Stocker received approximately $86,000 in loan proceeds. Stocker submitted loan forgiveness applications for both PPP loans, and both forgiveness applications were granted for the full loan amounts plus interest.

In addition to committing this new offense while on probation, Stocker also violated her conditions of probation by failing to pay restitution, and by opening auto loans without obtaining approval from the probation officer.

Stocker is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate.

Addressing pandemic-related fraud is a priority of United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest and of the Department of Justice. For information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 7, 2024, Quenton Dodson, 36, originally from Ypsilanti, Michigan, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford to a term of 96 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a four-year term of supervised release. Dodson previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms.

According to court records, after serving almost eight years in a Michigan prison and another year on parole in connection with previously shooting three individuals in a dispute over drugs, Dodson came to Vermont in 2021 to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl. In late 2021 and early 2022, the Burlington Police Department conducted a series of controlled purchases of drugs from Dodson and, in January 2022, obtained warrants to search not only Dodson’s Farrell Street apartment, but also the Ledgewood Circle apartment of a woman suspected of working with Dodson. In Dodson’s Farrell Street apartment police found more than $10,000 in cash (including some of the bills used in one of the controlled buys), about 20 grams of fentanyl, about 65 grams of methamphetamine, about 20 grams of cocaine, and a loaded handgun. In the Ledgewood Circle apartment, police found almost three pounds of methamphetamine (some of which was contained in a plastic bag bearing Dodson’s fingerprint), as well as another loaded handgun.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest observed: “This case demonstrates that Vermont should not be perceived as a friendly destination for those preying on the addictions of others. We are grateful that the Burlington Police Department, in collaboration with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, were able to intervene in Dodson’s criminal activity before either of the loaded firearms he possessed in connection with his drug dealing were fired.”

Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad added: “The Burlington Police Department believes in using a multi-faceted approach to address the scourge of drugs in our community, from treatment and succor for those with substance-use disorder to prosecution and prison for those who peddle poison. I’m proud of our detective team’s work and I’m immensely grateful for our federal partners. This case shows our collective resolve to ensure accountability for traffickers who prey on the suffering of others and harm our community in the process.” 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher. Dodson was represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Carleena Graham, 57, of Accokeek, Maryland, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to four years of probation following her guilty plea to a charge of wire fraud. As a condition of probation, Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered that Graham make a final restitution payment of $209,000 within 60 days. Graham had previously paid $210,000 in restitution.

On May 31, 2023, the United States filed a one count information charging Graham with wire fraud. The defendant pleaded guilty to that charge last summer. According to the information, the victim, World Learning, is a non-profit global development and exchange organization that delivers educational and professional training programs, and people-to-people exchange opportunities around the world. World Learning had headquarters in Brattleboro, Vermont and Washington, D.C. World Learning received millions of dollars in federal funding from the United States Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.

In 2014, World Learning hired Graham as the Director of Human Resources. She was subsequently promoted to Divisional Vice President of Human Resources and then to Vice President of Human Resources. Graham worked in World Learning’s Washington office. By reason of her positions of trust, Graham had access to a World Learning credit card that was to be used for human resources purposes.

At the time she was employed by World Learning, Graham also held positions at or had relationships with other non-profit and charitable organizations in the Washington, D.C. area (together the “third-party organizations”). Beginning in approximately 2016 and continuing until the middle of 2022, Graham orchestrated a scheme to defraud World Learning of hundreds of thousands of dollars. As part of the scheme, Graham arranged for goods and services to be delivered to the third-party organizations, and then fraudulently arranged for World Learning to pay for these goods and services via electronic transfers of funds from its Vermont bank account.  Graham falsified invoices submitted by vendors for payment of the goods and services to make them appear as though World Learning was the recipient of the goods and services. Graham often misused her access to World Learning’s credit cards to cause World Learning to pay the expenses incurred by the third-party organizations. World Learning suffered a loss of $419,000 because of this fraud.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commends the excellent work of the Offices of Inspector General of both the U.S. State Department and the Agency for International Development, who partnered to investigate this case. These Offices are committed to protecting the people, programs and financial resources of the State Department and the Agency for International Development. “This result demonstrates the significant consequences for individuals who defraud organizations responsible for implementing critical U.S. foreign assistance programs,” said USAID OIG Special Agent in Charge Jason Donnelly and Chris Hileman, Special Agent in Charge of the State Department’s OIG. “Our agencies, through their global investigative activities, will continue to work with the Department of Justice and other law enforcement counterparts to detect, disrupt, and hold accountable those whose schemes compromise the work of the State Department and USAID around the world.”

Graham is represented by Walter Reynoso, Esq. of Coral Gables, Florida and Christina Nolan, Esq. of Burlington, Vermont. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that, on March 4, 2024, Rafael Ortiz, 47, of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release following his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court records, Ortiz was arrested in May 2021 in Lyndonville, Vermont, on two State of Vermont arrest warrants, for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and eluding a police officer. While leading Vermont State Police (“VSP”) officers on a foot chase, Ortiz discarded from his waistband a Sig Sauer 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol with a defaced serial number and loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. Ortiz continued to flee and refused to comply with commands, until VSP used a TASER to incapacitate him and effect the arrest. A small meat cleaver and a dagger-style knife, along with approximately $1500, were recovered from Ortiz’s person. Law enforcement located the discarded firearm and, from Ortiz’s backpack, recovered approximately 38 grams of cocaine base, 13 grams of fentanyl analogue fluorofentanyl, approximately 11 grams of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin mixed with the fluorofentanyl.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Vermont State Police; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the investigation and prosecution of Ortiz. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Smith, Nicole Cate, John Boscia, and Jeff Davis handled the prosecution of Ortiz. Mark A. Kaplan, Esq., represented Ortiz.

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 February 29, 2024, Brennan Bigelow, age 33, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 80 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.  Bigelow previously pleaded guilty to two robberies and, at the same change of plea hearing, admitted participation in two additional robberies and one attempted robbery all occurring from August to December 2022 at five Rutland, Vermont businesses:  a convenience store on Woodstock Avenue, a gas station on South Main Street, a restaurant and a gas station on U.S. Route 4 East, and a pharmacy on Woodstock Avenue.  In each robbery, Bigelow threatened a store employee with violence, brandished a pellet gun that resembled a firearm, brandished a knife, simulated a concealed handgun or threatened to shoot the cashier.

According to court records, Bigelow told one of his victims that he would shoot the victim in the face.  Another victim remains fearful of being alone, experiencing sadness and anger, and wanting Bigelow to spend “life in jail.” Another of Bigelow’s victims reported replaying the robbery, especially when trying to fall asleep.  Another explained the incident with Bigelow “was a short ordeal, but it was truly terrifying.” While detained in connection with this federal case, Bigelow was convicted of assaulting another prison inmate and is awaiting sentencing in that case in New York state court.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the Rutland Police Department for its investigation of this matter.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Ophardt and Colin Owyang.  Defendant Brennan Bigelow was represented by Peter Langrock, 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 stated that on February 22, 2024, Scott Remick, 48, of Shoreham, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 80 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography (also known as child sexual abuse material, or CSAM).  United States District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Remick to serve a 14-year term of supervised release and to pay two assessments: $5,000 pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, and $5,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

According to court records and proceedings, on June 16, 2021, a source of information (SOI), who is a private software developer and security analyst and who is part of a group of individuals involved in analyzing a specific piece of software with a specific security vulnerability, identified a computer with the security vulnerability (the Target Computer). The SOI accessed the Target Computer, including the contents of an encrypted volume mounted on it. The SOI viewed some of the image files in that container and discovered that they depicted CSAM. The SOI also created a text file that contained directories and file names of files located in the encrypted volume. The file names indicated that the files contained sexually explicit content involving children.

The SOI reported its findings to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and to the Vermont State Police (VSP). VSP reached out to special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). After HSI spoke with the SOI and conducted additional investigation into the suspected user of the Target Computer, Scott Remick, agents obtained a warrant to search remotely electronically stored information at Remick’s residence, and a second warrant to search Remick’s residence.

On July 3, 2021, HSI agents executed the remote search warrant and recovered CSAM images, as well as items associated with Remick. On July 7, 2021, HSI agents executed the warrant to search Remick’s residence. Agents determined that a self-built computer at the residence was the same one searched pursuant to the remote search warrant. Agents found additional CSAM images on the self-built computer.

Through additional investigation, law enforcement discovered that, in 2012, Remick met a then-17-year old female on an online dating application when Remick was 37 years old. Remick and the minor female began communicating and eventually began sharing sexually explicit photos of themselves, including photos of the minor female engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Vermont State Police, and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the investigation and prosecution of Remick.

Barbara A. Masterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, represented the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven L. Barth represented Remick.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on February 22, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging  Brandon Anderson, 34, of Greenwood, Indiana, with two counts of impersonation of an officer or employee of the United States and one count of making a false statement to a department or agency of the United States.

Anderson entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on February 23, 2024 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Following his arraignment, Anderson remained on pretrial supervision subject to conditions of release.

According to court records, Anderson, while wearing a tactical uniform with black body armor and a holstered firearm, impersonated a federal law enforcement official on two occasions. Anderson was not in fact a federal law enforcement official during either occasion, but instead was a privately contracted security guard for a federal agency. In addition, investigation of Anderson revealed that, in becoming a security guard for the federal agency, he falsely stated that he had served in the United States Marines and received an honorable discharge, when in fact he had not served in the Marines at all.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Anderson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Anderson faces up to five years of imprisonment if convicted of false statement and up to three years of imprisonment if convicted of false personation. 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 Homeland Security Investigations, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Burlington Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Anderson is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Zaquikon T. Roy, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, was arraigned on February 20, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vermont on a superseding indictment charging the following: conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of cocaine; two counts of distribution of cocaine base; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The count for discharge of a firearm relates to a shooting that occurred in Leicester, Vermont on June 4, 2023. Roy waived his appearance at his arraignment and pleas of not guilty were entered on his behalf. Roy was previously detained pending trial and is still detained.

If convicted of these offenses, Roy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and that Roy is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont State Police.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul J. Van de Graaf and Wendy L. Fuller. Roy is represented by Chandler Matson, 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 U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with Stepping Stones Children’s Center, Inc. (“Stepping Stones”), a childcare center that provides childcare services for children ages 2 years old to 5 years old in Burlington, Vermont, to resolve allegations that Stepping Stones was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement addresses an ADA complaint filed by the parents of a child with a disability, alleging that Stepping Stones terminated the child from the program because of his disability. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Stepping Stones will implement nondiscriminatory policies, practices, and procedures for children with disabilities who wish to attend their childcare center; train its staff on compliance with Title III of the ADA; and evaluate each request for reasonable modifications on an individualized basis. Stepping Stones has also agreed to pay compensatory damages to the parents who filed the complaint.

“Access to childcare is crucial for all families, including families with children with disabilities,” said United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “We are glad that Stepping Stones has recognized its obligation to come into compliance with the law and has committed to being inclusive of children with disabilities.”

This matter was handled by Civil Chief and Civil Rights Coordinator Julia “Jules” Torti on behalf of the United States. Stepping Stones was represented by Justin Sherman, Esq. and Liz Mackey, Esq. of Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP.

For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). The Civil Rights Program at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont enforces federal civil and criminal civil rights laws, including the ADA. For more information on the Civil Rights Program, or to file a complaint, visit: www.justice.gov/usao-vt/civil-rights-program.

The settlement agreement between the United States and Stepping Stones Children's Center, Inc. is available at this link: 

Stepping Stones Settlement Agreement.pdf

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Terrence Anderson, 56, of Burlington, Vermont was sentenced today to a 5-year term of imprisonment, following his guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Anderson to serve a 4-year term of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

According to court records, on January 9, 2022, Burlington Police officers responded to a 911 call during which the caller reported her boyfriend had threatened her with a gun. Responding officers encountered the caller and defendant Anderson at Anderson’s residence. Officers located a Ruger EC9S handgun inside the apartment, which the caller stated Anderson had pointed at her while threatening to shoot her. While arresting Anderson for aggravated domestic assault in the first degree, Burlington Police officers located approximately 18 grams of fentanyl packaged in 57 baggies in Anderson’s pocket. Burlington Police thereafter obtained a warrant to search Anderson’s apartment. During the search, officers located inside a safe an additional 140 grams of fentanyl, over $17,300 of cash, and assorted opiate pills. Elsewhere in the apartment, officers located a digital scale, two loaded .45 caliber handgun magazines, a money counter, and jewelry. Subsequent investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration resulted in the seizure of approximately $194,000 of cash from two safe deposit boxes rented in Anderson’s name at local banks. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration also seized two additional handguns and approximately $16,000 in cash from storage units rented by Anderson. In total, law enforcement seized over $243,000 of cash, high-end jewelry, approximately 158 grams of fentanyl, three firearms, and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated, “I commend the Burlington Police Department for their excellent work responding to the domestic violence perpetrated by Terrence Anderson. The Drug Enforcement Administration also did great work investigating and seizing Anderson’s guns, drugs, and proceeds of drug trafficking. The combination of domestic violence, drug trafficking, and illegal firearm possession in this case is appalling. This office, along with our law enforcement partners will continue our dogged efforts to disrupt these kinds of illegal behavior throughout Vermont.”

The prosecutors were Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary B. Stendig and Jonathan A. Ophardt. Anderson was represented by Assistant Federal Defender Mary Nerino, 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 February 16, 2024, Ciro Temich- Ramirez, 35 of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to a term of 10 months’-imprisonment. Temich-Ramirez previously pleaded guilty to  illegal possession of a firearm by an individual who is unlawfully in the United States.

According to court records, on September 30, 2023, a federal agent encountered Temich-Ramirez less than one mile south of the United States and Canada border in North Troy, Vermont. Temich-Ramirez was standing next to a vehicle. Following a brief conversation, a physical altercation ensued between the agent and Temich-Ramirez. Additional federal agents responded and, after they restrained Temich-Ramirez, found a shotgun in Temich-Ramirez’s car. Law enforcement also found ammunition, methamphetamine, brass knuckles, and a knife. Temich-Ramirez, who is a Mexican national, is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is an individual unlawfully in the United States.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig. Temich-Ramirez was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Chelsea Sunn, 32, of Hartford, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to two years of probation following Sunn’s guilty plea to a charge of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III ordered that Sunn pay restitution in the amount of $75,000.

On July 7, 2023, the United States Attorney filed a one-count information charging Sunn with wire fraud. Sunn pleaded guilty to that information in August 2023. According to the information, beginning in 2016 and continuing until April 2020, Sunn, who was then known as Chelsea Roy, was employed by Blakeman’s Towing and Recovery, a vehicle towing and roadside assistance business in Tunbridge. Sunn was hired as a full-time office worker but later converted to part-time employment. Sunn was compensated on an hourly basis that included time and a half pay for claimed overtime work. Among other duties, Sunn handled Blakeman’s billing and payroll.

According to the information, beginning no later than December 2018 and continuing at least until March 2020, Sunn defrauded Blakeman’s Towing and Recovery by falsely inflating the hours she reportedly worked. This caused Blakeman’s to pay Sunn tens of thousands of dollars beyond her authorized compensation. 

In the course of defrauding Blakeman’s Towing and Recovery, Sunn used the interstate wire communication system to report her fraudulently-inflated work hours, and caused Blakeman’s to make electronic direct deposits of fraudulently-obtained funds into Sunn’s bank account in Vermont.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of  the United States Secret Service.

The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples. Sunn is represented by David Kirby, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on February 9, 2024, George Casey, 33, of Colchester, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 262 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography (also known as child sexual abuse material, or CSAM), and one count of possession of CSAM. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Casey to serve a 15-year term of supervised release.

According to court records and proceedings, in the summer of 2020, law enforcement received a report that Casey was sexually assaulting minor children who lived in the same neighborhood as Casey. The investigation culminated in execution of a search warrant at Casey’s residence in March 2021, during which multiple computers and other digital media were seized and searched. While searching Casey’s devices, law enforcement found five videos that showed Casey sexually assaulting two little girls, then ages 5 and 7, whom Casey knew. After discovering these videos, Casey was immediately arrested. In addition to the images and videos Casey produced, law enforcement discovered a large collection of approximately 1,419 images depicting CSAM on Casey’s digital media.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the investigation of Casey.

Barbara A. Masterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, represented the government. Mark Oettinger, Esq. represented Casey.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on February 5, 2024, Deyquan Martin, 22, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced to a five-year term of imprisonment as well as 10 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III following Martin’s guilty plea to possession of child pornography (also known as child sexual abuse material or CSAM).

According to court documents, in 2022, Martin met a twelve-year-old minor through an online video game and, using an online messaging platform, posed as a thirteen-year-old and induced the twelve-year-old to send him CSAM in the form of photographs and videos of herself. Using the messaging platform, Martin later threatened the minor and caused the minor to send him additional CSAM in the form of photographs and videos of the minor. In another instance also in 2022, Martin met a thirteen-year-old minor through a different online video game and, using the same online messaging platform, induced the minor to send him CSAM in the form of photographs of the minor.

On September 22, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Burlington Police Department, Vermont’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the New Jersey State Police, executed a search warrant at Martin’s Burlington residence. In searching Martin’s residence, law enforcement found CSAM depicting the twelve-year-old minor as well as other CSAM on Martin’s computer. Following the search, law enforcement placed Martin under arrest. Subsequent forensic analysis of electronic devices seized from Martin’s residence revealed additional CSAM in the form of photographs and videos.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated, “Thanks to our partners at Homeland Security Investigations, the Burlington Police Department, the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the New Jersey State Police we put a stop to Martin’s predatory behavior exploiting minors playing video games. Protecting vulnerable victims is central to our mission and this case exemplifies our dedication in this area.”

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare. These children were simply playing an online game when they were approached and extorted by a predator. With kids online now more than ever, HSI continues to work alongside our partners to keep kids safe and ensure predators face justice for their crimes,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

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

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that David Conrad, 42, of Bristol, Vermont was sentenced on January 30, 2024 to a 5-year term of probation, following his guilty plea to conducting a wire fraud scheme between approximately January of 2022 and February 28, 2023. United States District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Conrad to pay $58,430.52 in restitution to 43 victims, and to forfeit $58,430.52 of fraudulently obtained proceeds to the United States.

According to court records, David Conrad operated a custom woodworking business under the names “Old Camp Woodworking” and “Vermont Custom Designs.” Conrad was the sole employee of the business, which he ran out of the two-car garage attached to his residence in Bristol, Vermont. Conrad advertised his businesses on Facebook, and had stand-alone websites which allowed customers to place orders for custom wood items, such as dining tables, dressers, bedroom sets, desks, and other items. Parts of these websites were plagiarized from other woodworking websites, and some of the photographs on the websites were not original photographs of custom pieces crafted by Conrad, but rather copies of photographs from elsewhere on the internet. Conrad’s websites displayed strict cancelation and refund policies, listing a 25% processing fee for orders canceled within 24 hours; a 75% processing fee for orders canceled within 30 days; and no refunds for orders canceled after 30 days.

Between January 2022 and February 2023, Conrad accepted approximately $165,500 through various payment methods for over 100 different items ordered by customers in Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire. As part of the scheme to defraud, Conrad accepted payment for items he knew he could not complete within the 12-to-16-week timeframe he quoted customers. Conrad made numerous false statements to customers regarding the status of their orders and regarding why orders had not been completed (including false claims of having had a heart attack and cutting off a portion of his finger). Conrad used his strict refund policy as a reason to retain funds from customers, despite not having begun work on their orders. Conrad used funds obtained from customers to pay for his and his family’s personal expenses, while knowing that he would be unable to complete the custom-made wood item ordered by the customer.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, and thanks the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program for its assistance in compiling consumer complaints and their collaborative work on the investigation.

The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Conrad was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. 

Burlington, Vermont – eBay Inc, an e-commerce company headquartered in San Jose, California, has agreed to pay $59 million and to enhance its compliance program to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in connection with thousands of pill presses and encapsulating machines that were sold through its website.

Pill presses and encapsulating machines can be used by criminals to manufacture illegal drugs. When used with a mold, stamp, or die mimicking commonly prescribed controlled substances, pill presses are capable of producing counterfeit pills that appear indistinguishable from legitimate pharmaceutical drugs, including pills that are sometimes laced with fentanyl.

The CSA regulates certain pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, including pill presses and encapsulating machines, by requiring identity verification of purchasers, record-keeping, and reporting to the Drug Enforcement Administration. These requirements are designed to prevent individuals who intend to use these machines illegally from obtaining them and to ensure that the machines are traceable to the end user.

The United States alleged that eBay did not comply with these CSA requirements for thousands of pill presses and encapsulating machines that were sold through its website, including high-capacity pill presses capable of producing thousands of pills per hour. The United States’ investigation further found that hundreds of eBay’s pill press buyers also purchased counterfeit molds, stamps, or dies, allowing them to produce pills that mimicked the products of legitimate pharmaceutical companies, and that many of eBay’s pill press buyers have been successfully prosecuted in connection with trafficking illegal counterfeit pills.

“Counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl are a significant contributor to the deadly overdose epidemic,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, Chair of the Department of Justice’s Opioid Epidemic Civil Litigation Task Force. “The Department is committed to using all available enforcement measures to ensure that companies involved in selling the equipment that makes it possible to create these dangerous pills comply with the Controlled Substances Act.”

“Through its website, eBay made it easy for individuals across the country to obtain the type of dangerous machines that are often used to make counterfeit pills. Our investigation revealed that some of these machines were even sold to individuals who were later convicted of drug related crimes,” said United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, Nikolas P. Kerest. “Our office is committed to holding accountable those who have contributed to the devastating fentanyl crisis we are facing in our communities. Today’s settlement is an important step to ensuring that e-commerce companies do their part by complying with regulations that are designed to protect the public.”

“eBay’s failure to comply with the Controlled Substances Act’s basic reporting and record keeping requirements for the sales of pill presses contributed to the proliferation of counterfeit pills in this country by allowing private citizens to set up pill factories in their homes and to do so without detection,” said United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Henry C. Leventis. “This settlement holds eBay accountable for its compliance lapses, serves as a reminder to other e-commerce companies that the Department of Justice will enforce these requirements, and will help keep these items out of the hands of criminals moving forward.”

“Americans deserve to be protected from the dangers of counterfeit prescription pills,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Civil Division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all those involved in the sale of counterfeit pills and the equipment used to manufacture counterfeit pills are held accountable.”

 “Fentanyl—pressed into fake pills that look like real prescription medications—is killing Americans. Drug traffickers buy the tools to make fake pills, like pill presses, online,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “eBay and other e-commerce platforms must do their part to protect the public. And when they do not, DEA will hold them accountable.”

In addition to the monetary settlement, eBay also has agreed to maintain and enhance its compliance program with respect to its prohibited and restricted items policy as it pertains to sales of pill presses, counterfeit molds, stamps, and dies, and encapsulating machines.

The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin E. Hazard and Lauren Almquist Lively and Civil Chief Jules Torti of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, Assistant U.S. Attorney Wynn Shuford, Deputy Civil Chief Ellen Bowden McIntyre, and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Wildasin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, and Trial Attorneys Scott B. Dahlquist and Deborah Sohn, Senior Trial Attorney Sarah Williams, Senior Counsel for Policy and Compliance Shannon Pedersen, Senior Deputy Director of Criminal Litigation A.J. Nardozzi, Director Amanda Liskamm, and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Arun G. Rao of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Gage Garr, 33, of Barre City, Vermont, has been indicted for possession of a short-barreled shotgun and possession of a firearm as an unlawful user of a controlled substance. A federal grand jury in Burlington issued the indictment, and Garr was arraigned yesterday in Burlington.

At his arraignment, Garr pleaded not guilty to the charges. U. S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Garr to remain in the custody of the United States Marshals pending trial.

According to court records, Garr was discovered asleep in his vehicle on November 26, 2023. He was found to be in possession of suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia, as well as a short-barreled shotgun for which he did not have proper registration. Garr had pending state charges against him at the time.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are accusations only and that Garr is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Garr faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the possession of the short-barreled shotgun and 15 years in prison for possessing a firearm as an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Any ultimate sentence will be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory and collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); the Barre City Police Department; the Randolph Police Department; and the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles Enforcement and Safety.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Smith.  Garr is represented by Devin McLaughlin, 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 stated that on January 29, 2024, Malik Pratt, 26, of Burlington, Vermont was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss to 35 months in prison and three years of supervised release following his guilty plea to robbing the People’s United Bank branch in Burlington, Vermont on March 1, 2022. The Court also ordered Pratt to pay restitution to the bank for the amount stolen.

According to court records, Burlington Police Department officers were dispatched to the People’s United Bank on North Avenue in Burlington on March 1, 2022, at 10:06 a.m. following reports of a bank robbery. Bank employees stated that the robber threatened to shoot them and demanded cash. After acquiring cash, the robber fled the bank on foot, jumping over a fence near the Ethan Allan Parkway to escape. The bank reported a total of $1,316 in U.S. currency stolen. Within weeks, Burlington detectives and federal agents identified Pratt as the robber. He was charged with bank robbery on March 18, 2022, and pleaded guilty on October 11, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the Burlington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on their collaborative investigation of Pratt.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Paul Van de Graaf. Pratt is represented by Richard R. Goldsborough, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on January 25, 2024, Moraima Escarlet Vasquez Flores, 40, of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 90 months in prison after her guilty plea to one count of aiding and abetting the receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography (also known as child sexual abuse material, or CSAM). U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Vasquez Flores to serve a five-year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment.

According to court records and proceedings, Vasquez Flores participated in the production of a video which showed her inflicting sadistic abuse of a prepubescent boy who was known to her. In the video, Vasquez Flores slapped and hit the boy, whose arms and legs were bound. She placed her fully clothed genital area over the boy’s face and bounced on it. She also held her hands over his mouth and nose and appeared to suffocate him. By the end of the video, it appeared that the child was unconscious. Vasquez Flores made the video knowing that it would be sent to a sexual sadist who would use the video for sexual stimulation.

A link to the video was sent on October 13, 2018, to Sean Fiore, Vasquez Flores’ co-defendant. On March 25, 2022, Judge Reiss sentenced Fiore to serve 27-years in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, following his guilty plea to murder for hire, conspiracy to kidnap and murder a person overseas, conspiracy to produce child pornography (CSAM), and possession of child pornography (CSAM). Judge Reiss also ordered Fiore to pay restitution to the victims of his offense conduct.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the investigation of Vasquez Flores and Fiore.

Barbara A. Masterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, Patrick Jasperse, Trial Attorney with the Department of Justice’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and Eduardo Palomo, Trial Attorney with the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, represented the government. Sara Puls and Steven Barth of the Office of the Federal Public Defender represented Vasquez Flores.  

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Vasquez Flores.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Andrew Chaves, 24, of Washington, D.C., was arraigned yesterday in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. A federal grand jury sitting in Burlington, Vermont returned a one-count indictment on January 18, 2024, alleging that Chaves retained and concealed a stolen U.S. Forest Service vehicle. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Chaves detained pending trial.

According to court records, shortly after December 27, 2023, personnel at the U.S. Forest Service facility in Manchester, Vermont noticed a missing vehicle. GPS data enabled authorities to track the vehicle, a 2018 Jeep Compass, to an abandoned Vermont National Guard facility in Waterbury, Vermont. At that location investigators recovered the vehicle , a pill bottle bearing Chaves’s name, a number of federal and state government license plates, and numerous receipts. When authorities recovered the Jeep, it bore U.S. government license plates assigned to a 2018 Ford owned by the U.S. government that had been reported stolen in November 2023 from a Lodi, New Jersey U.S. Army facility, where investigators had recovered a 2021 Chrysler, also owned by the U.S. government and reported stolen from Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania. A latent fingerprint taken from the 2021 Chrysler matched Chaves. When the U.S. Marshals arrested Chaves in Vermont on January 19, 2024, Chaves was driving the stolen 2018 Ford.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Chaves remains presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted of a crime. If convicted, Chaves faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, although the actual sentence will be advised by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.

This case is being investigated by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. General Services Administration, the U.S. Federal Protective Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with assistance from the Vermont State Police and the Manchester Police Department.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Ophardt and Colin Owyang. Chaves is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jahking Allah, also known as “Stop Sign,” 44, of Quaker Hill, Connecticut was arrested on Friday, January 19, 2024 and subsequently charged by federal criminal complaint with distribution of cocaine base. Allah’s initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24 at 3:30 p.m.

According to court records, Allah sold cocaine base to a cooperating subject in Burlington on two dates in January 2024. Then, on January 19, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 195 St. Paul Street, Apartment A, where Allah was staying. Within the apartment, law enforcement found seven handguns, two of which had previously been reported stolen. Seven is among the largest number of pistols that the Burlington Police Department has ever recovered during a single search warrant execution. Also within the apartment were approximately 85 grams of suspected cocaine base, approximately 25 grams of suspected fentanyl, and multiple digital scales.

If convicted of the current charges, Allah faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Allah is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Tyler Hayes, 41, of Bennington, Vermont, has been indicted for possession of a bomb that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. A federal grand jury in Burlington issued the indictment, and Hayes had his initial appearance yesterday in Burlington. This afternoon, United States Magistrate Judge Doyle ordered Hayes detained pending trial.

According to court records, Hayes made the bomb himself and told acquaintances about the destruction it would cause if detonated. Hayes left the bomb in his former residence when he moved out in connection with eviction proceedings. Hayes took no apparent precautions to make sure the bomb did not fall into the wrong hands or detonate inadvertently.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the indictment is an accusation only and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Any ultimate sentence will be determined by the Court and advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory and collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Bennington Police Department; and the Vermont State Police Bomb Squad.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Smith.  Hayes is represented by James Valente, Esq. and Assistant Federal Defender Barclay Johnson.  

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

Burlington, Vermont – U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest announced today that the District of Vermont collected $3,106,754.45 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $2,072,930.23 was collected in criminal actions and $1,033,824.22 was collected in civil actions.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $76,859,362.34 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount $22,239.05 was collected in criminal actions and $76,837,123.29 was collected in civil actions.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s federal prosecutors and Civil Division attorneys work tirelessly to protect our citizens, to recover financial losses sustained as a result of criminal conduct, and to safeguard taxpayer resources,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest. “These efforts enabled this office to achieve justice for victims and recoup a significant amount of taxpayer dollars in Fiscal Year 2023.”

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $529,959.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Ryan Buckley, 35, originally from New Hampshire, was arraigned in the District of Vermont on January 16, 2024 after a federal grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont returned a one-count indictment charging Buckley with possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. Buckley had been ordered detained in state court as a result of state charges he is facing and assented to detention in this federal case.

According to court records, on June 27, 2023, police came upon Buckley passed out in his pickup truck at the community baseball field in Chester, Vermont. Buckley had a handgun in his lap. Police knocked on his window. Buckley woke up and then picked up the firearm. Buckley placed the firearm on his lap and put his truck into gear. Police convinced Buckley to open his window and disarmed him without further incident. Buckley admitted to the police that he had smoked methamphetamine recently, having a prior felony conviction, and to knowing that he could not possess firearms. Buckley consented to a search of his truck and police found a small bag of suspected methamphetamine which field-tested positive. Because Buckley felt his heart racing, he requested medical transport to the hospital and police issued him a citation, but he failed to appear for his court date.

Police subsequently arrested Buckley on July 29, 2023 in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Buckley told police that he had recently stolen a firearm from Cavendish, Vermont and given it to someone else in Mount Holly, Vermont. Buckley said he helped another person move numerous firearms into a storage unit Buckley rented in Killington, Vermont. Buckley said he had met this person while selling them fentanyl during the previous six months. Police obtained and executed a search warrant for that Killington, Vermont storage unit and recovered, among other items, 19 firearms and 3,240 rounds of ammunition. Buckley’s criminal history includes prior felony convictions for grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulting in serious bodily injury, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, unlawful trespass of an occupied residence and possession of heroin.

If convicted, Buckley could face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although any actual sentence will be advised by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Buckley remains presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted of a crime.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Ophardt and Colin Owyang. Buckley is represented by Michael Straub, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on January 3, 2024, Carl Butterfield, 54, of Whitingham, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont, to serve 135 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography (also known as child sexual abuse material, or CSAM). Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Butterfield to serve a 15-year term of supervised release.

According to court records and proceedings, on September 30, 2021, knowing what it depicted, Butterfield possessed a video that showed an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent female. Butterfield broke the video into four separate video files so he could send it to a person with whom he was chatting on the social media platform Kik, which he did. At the time, Butterfield was on furlough with the State of Vermont following his 2007 conviction for possession of CSAM.

In sentencing Butterfield, Judge Crawford noted that Butterfield’s prior conviction for possession of CSAM required the Court to sentence Butterfield to a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years. Judge Crawford also enhanced Butterfield’s sentence for obstruction of justice because Butterfield intentionally destroyed an iPhone that he used to access CSAM before it could be reviewed by his state probation officer.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in the investigation and prosecution of Butterfield.

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

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on January 4, 2024, the federal grand jury returned a thirteen-count indictment against Scott Jamie Ashness, 43, most recently of Stuart, Florida. Ashness was charged with ten counts of bank fraud, two counts of passport fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Previously, on December 1, 2023, Ashness was charged by criminal complaint. Ashness is currently in state custody in the state of New Hampshire. The government has applied for a writ to bring Ashness into federal custody for prosecution.

According to court records, Ashness committed these offenses at various banks in Vermont on September 19 and 26, 2023. As detailed in the criminal complaint affidavit, the government alleges that Ashness visited six different bank branches throughout Vermont on September 19, and another four Vermont bank branches on September 26. At each bank, Ashness obtained or attempted to obtain cash withdrawals from other people’s accounts by purporting to be those people. In some instances, Ashness presented falsified U.S. passport cards containing others’ biographical information and Ashness’ photograph.

If convicted, Ashness faces a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment on the bank fraud counts, a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment on the passport fraud counts, and a two-year mandatory minimum prison sentence. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. 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.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Counsel information for Ashness is not yet available.

The Diplomatic Security Service and the United States Attorney’s Office encourage any financial institution or individual who believes they may have been a victim of similar offenses, particularly involving falsified U.S. passport cards, to contact the St. Albans Resident Office of the Diplomatic Security Service at DSSVermontInvestigations@state.gov.

Correction:  The press release was edited to reflect the correct spelling of the defendant's hometown.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Dajuan Williams, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced in the United States District Court on January 4, 2024, following his guilty plea to drug trafficking and money laundering charges described in counts 1 and 4 of the October 5, 2021 superseding indictment.

Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Williams to 144 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. The Court also ordered Williams to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $600,034.09.

According to court records, Williams, who is the lead defendant in this 11-defendant case, supervised a well-organized nationwide drug trafficking business that distributed vast quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs for profit. Some of the drugs involved were fentanyl pills created to resemble prescription opiate medications. Williams also supervised the laundering of drug proceeds via cash deposits into bank accounts followed by the transfer of proceeds using a variety of methods, including mobile payment services such as Cash App, Zelle, and Venmo. Williams’s business had locations across the country, including in Burlington, Vermont; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Billings, Montana. To staff these locations, Williams recruited workers and directed them where to go and what to do. The business relied on complicated logistics to obtain drugs from suppliers, transport them across the country, and distribute them to customers. At times, Williams tested drugs on customers to determine which product was favored. On the financial side, Williams micro-managed on-the-ground distribution, checking in with his workers and frequently demanding the “count” – an accounting of drugs sold and money earned. Earnings of over a million dollars were returned to bank accounts controlled by Williams. Williams laundered drug proceeds, enriched himself, and surrounded himself with the trappings of affluence: cars, cash, clothes, jewelry, houses. Among the cars Williams purchased with his illegally-obtained wealth were a black 2016 Maserati Ghibli; a white 2017 Audi A7; and a grey 2017 BMW X6. Before his arrest on January 13, 2021, in Los Angeles, California, Williams was living in a mansion that rented for approximately $15,000 per month perched high in the hills of Los Angeles under the Hollywood sign.

To date, nine of Williams’ co-defendants have pleaded guilty to federal charges and have been sentenced. The following summarizes the results of this multi-defendant drug trafficking and money laundering case:

• Juwon Robinson: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges described in count 1 of the indictment. Sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• Dashawn Pulley: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges described in counts 1 and 4 of the superseding indictment. Sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release resolving federal charges in Vermont and North Dakota.
• Jaylinn Lenoir: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges described in count 1 of the indictment. Sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• Rendell Perkins: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges described in count 1 of the indictment. Sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• Mohamed Luhizo: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges described in counts 1 and 12 of the indictment. Sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• Stephen Alexander: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges described in counts 1 and 2 of an information. Sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• Juan Orozco-Hernandez: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges described in counts 1 and 2 of a superseding information. Sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• Abigail Houston: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges described in count 1 of the superseding indictment. Sentenced to 5 years’ probation.
• Javonte Sovey: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges described in counts 1 and 4 of the superseding indictment. Sentenced to 1 year and 1 day of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release and now participating in federal Reentry Court in Vermont.
• Jessica Elwell: Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges described in counts 1 and 4 of the superseding indictment. Sentencing scheduled for March 8, 2024.

The sentencing of Williams and his co-defendants follows a twelve-month investigation conducted by state and federal agencies which was led by Homeland Security Investigations. HSI was assisted in this investigation by agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, troopers from the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, the Burlington Police Department, and the South Burlington Police Department. The coordinated law enforcement effort focusing on Williams and his drug trafficking organization was conducted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest praised the coordinated work of law enforcement in this year-long investigation and also thanked all of the United States Attorney’s Offices across the country who assisted, with specific credit to federal prosecutors in Maine, North Dakota, and the Central District of California for their assistance. “Dajuan Williams and his co-defendants spread deadly drugs throughout the Burlington, Vermont area as well as several other small cities across the United States. The focus of the organization was on profit without a care for the addicted victims of Williams’ illegal business. Multiple law enforcement agencies, led by HSI and IRS-CI, worked with focus and determination and have now successfully dismantled Williams’ organization. While we recognize the importance of prevention and treatment and rehabilitation, this office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to prosecute those who seek to profit off of the addiction of their fellow community members.” 

“Dajuan Williams was responsible for spreading misery and poison throughout our region,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New England. “HSI is proud to have collaborated with our local, state, and federal partners in Vermont and beyond to put an end to Williams’s crime spree, which included the trafficking of deadly fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.”

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Boscia. Chandler Matson, Esq. represents Dajuan Williams. Ernest Allen, Esq. represented Juwon Robinson. Stephanie Greenlees, Esq. represented Dashawn Pulley. Jordana Levine, Esq. represented Jaylinn Lenoir. Robert Behrens, Esq. represented Rendell Perkins. Richard Bothfeld, Esq. represented Mohamed Luhizo. Kevin Henry, Esq. represented Stephen Alexander. Frederic Warner, Esq. and Richard Goldsborough, Esq. represented Juan Orozco-Hernandez. Allan Sullivan, Esq. represented Abigail Houston. Gregory Mertz, Esq. represented Javante Sovey. Michael Turndorf, Esq. represents Jessica Elwell.

Burlington, Vermont  – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Maria Alvarez, 43, of Rutland, was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Burlington on December 21, 2023. Previously, a federal grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont returned a one-count indictment on November 15, 2023, alleging that Alvarez possessed cocaine with intent to distribute it. Alvarez was arrested on December 20, 2023 and made an initial appearance this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Alvarez was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

According to court records, Rutland police responded to a call on September 26, 2023 regarding potentially unresponsive people in a vehicle. Police found Alvarez in the front passenger seat and another individual in the driver’s seat. Police observed on the driver’s lap what appeared to be a rock of crack cocaine.  When police effected Alvarez’s arrest, they saw her place in the adjacent door a container with several rocks of what appeared to be crack cocaine. All of the apparent crack cocaine field-tested positive. Police arrested the driver and Alvarez, secured the vehicle and obtained a state court search warrant to search the vehicle.

When police executed the search warrant on the vehicle, they found three bags in the footwell where Alvarez had been seated in the front passenger seat. From those bags, police recovered a variety of items, including:  Alvarez’s non-driver’s ID, a key to a lockbox which contained over 600 grams of powder cocaine, over $5,000 in cash and suspected drug packaging. From the vehicle, police also recovered two scales, among other items.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Alvarez remains presumed innocent unless and until she is convicted of a crime. If convicted, Alvarez faces a maximum possible penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The actual sentence following any conviction will be advised by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.

The investigation has been led by the Rutland Police Department. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt and Colin Owyang. Alvarez is represented by Richard C. Bothfeld, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Ryan Goodrich, 38, of Athens, Vermont, was sentenced in the United States District Court in Rutland on December 20, 2023, following his guilty plea to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Goodrich to 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

According to court records, Vermont Game Wardens began an investigation of Goodrich in late winter of 2022 for violations of fish and wildlife regulations. During their investigation, the wardens obtained a search warrant for Goodrich’s Facebook account, which revealed a photograph of a short-barrel shotgun. The messages within the account revealed Goodrich had discharged the weapon and likely possessed it at his residence. The wardens coordinated with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to execute a search warrant at Goodrich’s residence on March 3, 2022. During the search, agents located the short-barrel shotgun (which was loaded), multiple additional shotguns, multiple rifles (including an AR-style rifle), 2,978 rounds of ammunition, $6,000 in U.S. Currency, and 880 bags of heroin. The short-barrel shotgun was subject to registration with the National Firearms Act however, it was not properly recorded.  Documents in Ryan Goodrich’s name were also found in the camper, although he was not there when the search warrant was executed.

After the warrant was executed, a federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 10, 2022. Agents attempted to locate Goodrich in and around Athens, and in doing so, encouraged people who knew him to have Goodrich turn himself in to law enforcement. Goodrich did not do so. On April 9, 2022, Keene, New Hampshire Police located Goodrich at a hotel in Keene. Officers obtained a search warrant for the hotel room, but Goodrich was not inside when it was executed. Agents found evidence of Goodrich’s prior presence, including personal paperwork in a backpack. On April 19, 2022, law enforcement learned that Goodrich was attempting to obtain transportation to Texas. Goodrich was subsequently located and apprehended at a hotel in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Following Goodrich’s arrest, investigators obtained a federal search warrant for certain social media information used by Goodrich. When law enforcement executed that warrant, they found various messages that demonstrated that in March 2022, Goodrich was involved in drug trafficking.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. He also thanked the Keene, New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Deerfield, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Greenfield, Massachusetts Police Department for their assistance in locating and apprehending Goodrich. 

Colonel Justin Stedman from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Division of Warden Service stated: “The Vermont Warden Service is grateful to our federal partners at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for being so willing to assist us in building and prosecuting this case. It is a shining example of what law enforcement can accomplish when we work together with the goal of seeing justice served.” 

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt, Paul Van de Graaf, and Zachary Stendig investigated and prosecuted the case. Goodrich is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Umar Koon, 45, of the Bronx, New York, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court to charges that he distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, illegal narcotics. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle released Koon on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to court records, the Northwestern Vermont Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began an investigation of Koon in the summer of 2023 after obtaining information that Koon was selling fentanyl in the Chittenden County area. Between September and November 2023, investigators, utilizing a confidential informant, made seven controlled purchases of drugs from Koon. On five occasions, it is alleged that Koon sold the confidential informant fentanyl; the two other deals involved cocaine base. Investigators arrested Koon on November 14 after he returned to Burlington from New York City on a bus. Agents seized a suitcase Koon was carrying, obtained a state court-issued warrant to search the bag, and recovered distribution quantities of cocaine, cocaine base and fentanyl. They also seized $1,500 in cash from Koon’s person.

Koon was held without bail on state charges until December 6, when he was released to live in New York City. On December 7, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Koon with seven counts of distributing illegal narcotics and one count of possessing other illegal narcotics with intent to distribute. Federal agents arrested Koon at his home in the Bronx on December 12. A federal judge in New York ordered that Koon surrender for arraignment today in Vermont. The State of Vermont has dismissed its case in favor of this federal prosecution.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If convicted, Koon faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples. Koon is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Ivan Carmona (also known as “Flacco”), 32, of Springfield, Massachusetts was sentenced in the United States District Court in Rutland on December 13, 2023, following his guilty pleas to assaulting a federal agent and brandishing a firearm during the assault. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Carmona to 108 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

According to court records, Carmona was wanted by state and local authorities based on his alleged involvement in multiple crimes and his flight from law enforcement on November 17, 2021. United States Border Patrol (USBP) agents from the Newport Station were assisting in the pursuit based on Carmona’s proximity to, and possible crossing of, the international border during his flight. USBP agents located Carmona and a companion near North Troy, Vermont on November 18, 2021, walking along Bear Mountain Road and stopped them to investigate. Upon being asked for identification, Carmona fled from the encounter, and one of the USBP agents pursued him on foot. During the pursuit, defendant Carmona drew a loaded handgun and pointed it at the pursuing agent.

Several law enforcement agencies participated in the pursuit and apprehension of Carmona, including USBP; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Air & Marine Operations, a division of Customs and Border Protection; the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department; the Vermont State Police; the Newport Police Department; and the Vermont Drug Task Force. 

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated, “Our law enforcement partners make our communities safer every day. They deserve our respect and support. When law enforcement officers are assaulted while doing their jobs to enhance public safety, this office will respond with the full extent of our resources as this case demonstrates.” U.S. Attorney Kerest also commended the mutually supportive efforts of the agencies that led to the safe apprehension of an armed fugitive.

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and defend our communities from violent criminals on a daily basis, and all too often those acts of violence are directed against them,” said Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson of the ATF Boston Field Division. “This sentencing reaffirms the ATF’s commitment to hold violent members of society accountable and send to prison those who commit crimes against the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to upholding and enforcing the law.”

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher prosecuted the case. Carmona 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 https://www.justice.gov/psn.

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney announced that Jodi Lathrop, 53, of Bristol, Vermont, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to charges of wire fraud and tax evasion. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III released Lathrop on conditions pending sentencing, which is set for April 1, 2024.

On January 24, 2023, the United States Attorney filed an indictment charging Lathrop with committing a scheme to embezzle from Claire Lathrop Band Mill (CLBM) d/b/a Lathrop Forest Products, a wood-logging and wood-chipping company based in Bristol, Vermont and co-owned by Lathrop’s husband and Lathrop’s brother-in-law. Lathrop served as CLBM’s bookkeeper, handling accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll.

According to statements made in court, between June 2014 and April 2020, Lathrop engaged in a scheme to embezzle from CLBM. Lathrop’s scheme included Lathrop writing unauthorized checks from the CLBM bank accounts to pay her personal credit card bills and Lathrop making unauthorized charges on CLBM credit cards to pay her personal expenses. For example, in July 2018, Lathrop charged $3,466.95 worth of household appliances on a CLBM credit card, knowing the charge was unauthorized, and had the appliances shipped to her personal residence for use in her personal residence.

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.

Lathrop also filed false personal tax returns for each of the years from 2014 to 2019. Lathrop failed to report as income the embezzled CLBM funds, and therefore evaded paying personal income taxes that she owed to the Internal Revenue Service.

The indictment alleges that Lathrop embezzled more than $400,000 from CLBM over the course of the scheme and evaded personal income taxes in the amount of approximately $141,000. The actual amount of Lathrop’s embezzlement and evaded taxes will be determined by the U.S. District Court at sentencing.

As part of her plea agreement, Lathrop agreed to sell approximately 270.5 acres of land she owns and to use the proceeds to pay any restitution she is ordered to pay to the victims of her crimes.

Lathrop faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release. The actual sentence will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bristol Police Department for their investigation of this case.

The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ang. Lathrop is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated Leon Delima, 35, of Burlington, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to gun possession and fraud charges in two cases before U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss.

According to the stipulated facts in the agreement between the parties, in the Spring of 2021, Leon Delima devised a plan to fraudulently obtain COVID-relief funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In April 2021, Delima successfully obtained a $17,833 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the SBA by claiming that he operated a marketing consulting business from which he had earned $85,600 annually. In fact, Delima had no such business. He spent the loan funds over a two-week period for consumer goods, life expenses, and non-business items, including high-end sneakers. With the April 2021 loan funds exhausted, in July 2021, Delima applied for a second SBA loan, this time claiming he operated a 45-employee pet-grooming business with gross revenues of $300,000 for the year prior to January 2020. SBA denied the second loan application. 

Additionally, according to the stipulated facts, on July 2, 2022, Delima, who was previously convicted of a felony offense, possessed a firearm that he fired into the air as he was walking along North Avenue in Burlington, Vermont. Delima threw the gun aside before law enforcement could respond to the gunshots.

Delima pleaded guilty today to three offenses—wire fraud, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence; making a false statement in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the U.S. government, which carries a 5-year maximum sentence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. The actual sentences will be determined by the court with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code. If accepted by the court, the plea agreement signed by Delima and the government recommends a sentence of 37 to 55 months.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division (IRS CID), and the Burlington Police Department for their work on the two investigations of Leon Delima.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles has handled the case for the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls represents Leon Delima.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID- 19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Javon Calderon (also known as “Juju,”) of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Christopher Morgan (also known as “Mula,”) of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Shavonne Doucette of Bennington, Vermont, and Kyle Winnie also of Bennington, were indicted in the District of Vermont on November 29, 2023. The three-count indictment alleges that, between August and November of 2022, Calderon, Morgan, Doucette, and Winnie conspired to distribute fentanyl and cocaine; Calderon and Morgan brandished a firearm in connection with that drug trafficking conspiracy; and Doucette and Winnie made their residence in Bennington available for drug trafficking. Doucette and Winnie appeared in court this afternoon for their arraignments before Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford. Both Doucette and Winnie pleaded not guilty and were detained pending further proceedings. Calderon and Morgan will appear for arraignment later this month.

The charges against these defendants are accusations only, and they are each presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, each defendant would face a maximum possible penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. For brandishing a firearm in connection with the alleged drug trafficking conspiracy, Calderon and Morgan face a mandatory minimum penalty of 7 years in prison. The sentences, however, would be determined by the court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the governing sentencing statutes. 

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the HSI Special Response Team, the Vermont State Police, the Bennington Police Department, the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department, the Rutland City Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Smith and Jon Ophardt. Javon Calderon is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael L. Desautels. Christopher Morgan is represented by Peter F. Langrock, Esq. Shavonne Doucette is represented by Brooks G. McArthur, Esq. Kyle Winnie is represented by Jordana M. Levine, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Bayohan Mangual, 38, of New Britain, Connecticut was arrested on Friday, November 17 in Connecticut pursuant to an arrest warrant issued in the District of Vermont. On October 18, 2023, a federal grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont returned an indictment charging Mangual with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Mangual made his initial appearance on November 17 in U.S. District Court in Hartford, Connecticut. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish ordered Mangual to be detained and transferred to the District of Vermont for further proceedings. His arraignment in the District of Vermont occurred this afternoon before Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford, at which Mangual pleaded not guilty. He remains in custody pending further proceedings.  

According to court records, Mangual is charged with possession of ammunition on September 2, 2023. That day, Rutland City Police Department officers responded to an apartment on Cherry Street in Rutland City and found a deceased man and an injured man, both of whom appeared to have been shot. Mangual is charged with possessing the ammunition used in the shooting based on shell casings found at the scene. At the time he possessed the ammunition, Mangual had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing ammunition under federal law.

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

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Rutland City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. He also thanked the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Crime Scene Search Team; the New Britain, Connecticut Police Department; the Hartford, Connecticut Police Department; and the Connecticut State Police for their vital assistance.

The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Cate and Jonathan Ophardt. Mangual is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that John Ryea, 40, of Rutland, Vermont, was arraigned in the District of Vermont on November 29, 2023. A federal grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont returned a two-count indictment on November 15, 2023 alleging that Ryea possessed a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and possessed a stolen firearm. Ryea was arrested on November 28, 2023 and made an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on November 29, 2023. Ryea was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

According to court records, Ryea has a November 30, 2022 misdemeanor domestic violence conviction from Rutland Superior Court where he admitted to punching his then live-in girlfriend in the jaw. He remained on probation in that state court case when he allegedly committed the charges contained in this federal indictment.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Ryea remains presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted of a crime. If convicted, Ryea faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment of $100. The actual sentence will be advised by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Ophardt and Colin Owyang. Ryea 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 https://www.justice.gov/psn. 

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest sent a letter to all skilled nursing facilities in Vermont warning that refusing to provide care for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will enforce these federal civil rights protections.

The ADA, which prohibits discrimination based on disability, protects individuals with OUD. Across the country, the Department of Justice has entered into numerous settlement agreements with skilled nursing facilities for refusing to admit individuals who are prescribed medications for opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine (Suboxone), vivitrol and methadone. Skilled nursing facilities are required to conduct an individualized assessment of each applicant’s admissibility and may not simply prohibit all individuals taking medications for OUD. Courts may impose civil penalties for ADA violations, which could be as high as $111,614 for a first violation, and potentially double that amount for subsequent violations. 

“No person should be forced to choose between receiving the skilled nursing care they require and taking their prescribed medications to support their recovery,” said U.S. Attorney Kerest. “People living with OUD deserve to access healthcare without facing illegal barriers.” 

The Civil Rights Program of the U.S. Attorney’s Office enforces federal civil rights protections in Vermont. Assistant United States Attorney Julia “Jules” Torti serves as the Civil Rights Coordinator for civil matters, and Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig serves as the Office’s Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, or to file a complaint, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/civil-rights-program.

          Nikolas P. Kerest, United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, made the following statement with respect to the shooting incident in Burlington on Saturday, November 25th:

          “The Burlington Police Department, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other members of the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force are investigating the shooting of three young men of Palestinian descent on Saturday night in Burlington. 

          “We recognize the suffering and heartbreak that the three men who were wounded, their families, and their communities are experiencing. We offer our deepest condolences to all affected by Saturday’s events. We deplore and condemn this violence and other similar acts. We appreciate that our law enforcement partners are conducting the investigation into the identity of the shooter and the shooter’s motives in a careful and deliberate manner.  

          “The United States Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division will assess the evidence generated to determine whether a federal crime may have been committed.”

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Brendan Salmon, 30, also known as “Nice,” of Hartford, Connecticut, and Lincoln Anthony Robinson, Jr., 28, of Windsor, Connecticut, were arrested on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in Hardwick, Vermont. Salmon was charged by criminal complaint with distributing  fentanyl on five different occasions, as well as aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Robinson was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Both men appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on November 18. Salmon was detained pending further proceedings; his next court appearance is currently set for December 1, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Doyle. Robinson was released on conditions.

According to court records, Salmon is alleged to have distributed fentanyl at various locations in Lamoille and Caledonia counties on multiple occasions in 2022 and 2023. Salmon is also alleged to have directed a shipment of drugs into Vermont from Connecticut containing approximately 670 grams of fentanyl, 570 grams of powder cocaine, and 160 grams of crack cocaine, which police intercepted and seized on September 25, 2023.

Robinson is alleged to have been in possession of approximately 85 grams of crack cocaine in the residence where both men were arrested. While searching the residence on November 16, law enforcement also recovered approximately 350 grams of suspected powder cocaine, approximately 270 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 500 glassine bags of suspected fentanyl, approximately 100 counterfeit Xanax, a Glock 9mm pistol with two magazines of ammunition, an armored vest, and approximately $11,875 in U.S. currency.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that criminal complaints contain only allegations and both Salmon and Robinson remain presumed innocent until and unless they are convicted of a crime. Each of the six counts Salmon faces carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment. The single count Robinson faces carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Morristown Police Department, the Vermont State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Office, the Stowe Police Department, and the Hardwick Police Department.

The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Van de Graaf and Ray Sun. Salmon is represented by Richard Goldsborough, Esq. Robinson is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Edmund Thornton, 66, who until recently lived in East Calais, Vermont was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington following his guilty plea to a charge that he failed to register as a sex offender after moving to Vermont. Senior U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Thornton to time served, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Before being released on conditions this past May, Thornton had been incarcerated for more than six months following his arrest in late October 2022.

According to court records, on October 27, 2022, a federal grand jury in Vermont returned a one count indictment alleging that Thornton violated the Sex Offender Registration And Notification Act (SORNA). Thornton was arrested in Pennsylvania on the charge on October 31 and was then transferred to the custody of U.S. Marshals in Vermont.

Records indicate that in 1999, Thornton pleaded guilty in Pennsylvania to charges that included attempted deviate sexual intercourse with a ten-year-old girl. Thornton served several years in prison. Under Pennsylvania law, Thornton was required to register in that state as a convicted sex offender upon his release from custody. The federal Sex Offender Registration And Notification Act also required Thornton to promptly register with authorities in any state to which he moved. According to the indictment, Thornton moved to Vermont in about June 2020 but failed to register with authorities here, as required by SORNA.

Thornton is represented by Assistant Federal Defender Barclay Johnson. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.

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

Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney’s Office stated that on November 17, 2023, Kenneth Bishop, 38, of Alburgh, Vermont was sentenced to a 5-year term of imprisonment, following his guilty plea to possessing child pornography, also referred to as child sexual abuse material. United States District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Bishop to serve a 15-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.

According to court records, on September 29, 2022, while Bishop was on furlough status with the Vermont Department of Corrections, Vermont Probation and Parole Officers learned of complaints by an employee of a local spa regarding Bishop’s lewd behavior during a spa treatment. Vermont Probation and Parole confiscated Bishop’s phone, discovered evidence consistent with the complaint of the spa employee, and reincarcerated Bishop for violating the conditions of his furlough. A subsequent search of Bishop’s phone pursuant to a search warrant revealed an encrypted application on the phone. A forensic examination of the phone revealed images and videos depicting child sexual abuse which Bishop had stored within the encrypted application.

Bishop has prior State of Vermont convictions for lewd and lascivious conduct related to him intentionally exposing his penis to young children. The first instance occurred in February 2017 when Bishop victimized a 9-year-old girl in the toy aisle of a store in Morristown, and the second instance occurred in May 2017 when Bishop victimized a 10-year-old girl in the doll aisle of a toy store in Williston. Bishop also has a prior conviction in 2013 for engaging in prohibited acts stemming from a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl when he was 28 years old.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of detectives of the Vermont Attorney General’s Office’s Criminal Division, agents of Homeland Security Investigations, and members of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Bishop was represented by Jordana Levine, Esq.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Nicholas Karov, 40, of Rutland, Vermont was sentenced today to a 33-month term of imprisonment following his guilty plea to possession of a stolen firearm. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Karov to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.

According to court records, on October 28, 2022, Karov reached into the open window of a Ford F-250 parked on Wales Street in Rutland, Vermont and removed a CMMG Banshee .45 caliber AR-style pistol with extended magazine from inside the truck. The owner of the vehicle and pistol approached and yelled to Karov, at which point Karov fled with the pistol on foot. The owner of the pistol tackled Karov, disarmed him of the stolen pistol, and detained him until law enforcement arrived at the scene. Karov had over 30 pending state court criminal cases at the time of the offense.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory and collaborative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Rutland City Police Department, and the Rutland County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Ray Sun prosecuted the case. Karov is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.

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

Burlington, Vermont – On November 8, 2023, 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 Excellence Award: This category includes recipients whose actions led directly to an arrest of a dangerous subject or to the exposure of a significant criminal or civil conspiracy.  

• Lieutenant Frank Scalise, Milton Police Department and former Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer – nominated for United States v. Deamontae Luchie, et al.
• Deputy Marshal Max Galusha, United States Marshals Service – nominated for United States v. Lisa Miller, et al.
• Detective Sergeant Ashley “Skip” Barnes, Vermont State Police – nominated for United States v. Krystal Whitcomb, et al.

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

• Special Agent Jennie Emmons, Federal Bureau of Investigation 
• Special Agent John Schroeder, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation
• Special Agent Anders Ostrum, Internal Revenue Service -Criminal Investigation
• Resident Agent in Charge Derek Roy, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations
  • All nominated for United States v. Ariel Quiros, William Kelly, and William Stenger                                                                                                         

Outstanding Collaborative Investigation Award: This category recognizes 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 Eric Boyce, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Analyst Virginia Churchill, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Special Agent Stephanie Dubuc, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Special Agent Jennie Emmons, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Special Agent Eric Gempp, United States Coast Guard Investigative Service
• Special Agent Michael Jankowiak, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Special Agent Lisa Tutty, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Special Agent Kellie Senecal, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
  • All nominated for outstanding collaborative investigation in United States v. Nathan Carman.                                                                                                                            
• Special Agent Samuel Brown, on behalf of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Detective Eric Dalla Mura, on behalf of the Burlington Police Department
  • Both nominated as their agency representatives for outstanding collaborative investigation in United States v. Lesine Woodson, 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: “It is a special honor to recognize law enforcement officers like today’s awardees, who represent the very best of this noble work and contribute so much to Vermont. I also want to thank our awardees’ family members and loved ones whose care and encouragement make the accomplishments recognized today possible.”

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Eric Edson, 52, of Burlington, Vermont appeared in United States District Court yesterday for an arraignment and pleaded not guilty to violating the Hobbs Act by obstructing commerce by robbery. A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against Edson on September 28, 2023. Edson was in state custody following his September 7, 2023 arrest and appeared in federal court yesterday pursuant to a writ filed by the United States. United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Edson detained pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. 

According to court records, on August 24, 2023, officers from the Burlington Police Department (BPD) responded to a report of a robbery at the Sierra Trading Post located at 555 Shelburne Road in Burlington, Vermont. Officers learned that a man, later identified as Edson, attempted to leave the store with unpaid merchandise. When a Sierra Trading Post employee asked Edson to return the merchandise to the store, Edson told the employee “I’ll blow your head off” and partially pulled an item that appeared to be a firearm from his hooded sweatshirt pocket. Edson then ran to a vehicle and drove away. Edson remained on the run until he was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement on September 7, 2023.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that the indictment is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Edson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Burlington Police Department for their work in the investigation, and thanked the Vermont State Police, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Warden Service, the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Coast Guard, the Colchester Police Department, the UVM Police Department, the Milton Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department for their efforts to safely apprehend Edson. 

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate represents the government. Edson is represented by Laura Wilson, Esq. and Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.

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

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Talbert Hill, who is also known as “T,” and Samuel Bennett, who is also known as “Mellow,” both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were arrested on Friday, November 3, 2023 in or near Burlington, Vermont. Both men have been charged by criminal complaint and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle this afternoon.  

According to court records, Hill and Bennett are alleged to have distributed fentanyl in and around Burlington over the past few months. The investigation revealed that Hill and Bennett coordinated their activities by using the same cellular phone number to arrange drug sales. Law enforcement surveillance revealed a likely stash house used by Hill and Bennett on Walnut Street in Burlington. Investigators also determined that Bennett was staying at a hotel room in South Burlington. On November 3, 2023, law enforcement arrested Bennett from a car he was operating at the Charlotte, Vermont ferry landing. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of over $10,000 cash from a suitcase in the trunk of Bennett’s car. Later on November 3, 2023, law enforcement attempted to arrest Hill in Burlington. Hill tried to flee, and discarded suspected fentanyl and cocaine base during his flight. Nevertheless, Hill had fentanyl on him when he was apprehended. At the same time as the arrests, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Walnut Street and at an area hotel. In total, agents seized over 17,000 bags of fentanyl (the equivalent of approximately 340 grams) and almost 200 grams of cocaine base.  

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that criminal complaints contain only allegations and both Hill and Bennett remain presumed innocent until and unless they are convicted of a crime. Both men face a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment on the charges they currently face.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and thanked the Vermont State Police for their assistance in apprehending Bennett.

The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Owyang and Jonathan Ophardt. Hill is represented by Karen R. Shingler, Esq. Bennett is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.