District of Vermont
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
14 Years Jail for Local Repeat Drug DealerRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Stephen R. Bedell, age 51, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced to 14 years in jail yesterday by Judge William K. Sessions III of the United States District Court in Burlington.
Bedell was arrested by the Burlington Police Department in October, 2012. He had two prior Vermont felony convictions for drug dealing, in 2002 and 2004. Bedell was arrested while selling crack cocaine to a customer, after multiple prior undercover crack and heroin deals during the preceding months. Burlington Police officers recovered $154,000 that Bedell had hidden in area storage units, and $2,720 that he had when arrested. They also recovered commercial quantities of heroin and many other types of drugs, multiple cell phones, and several cars, including a red 2004 Mazda RX8, and a red Pontiac Grand Prix. Christa Maynard was also arrested and charged as Bedell's conspirator. She previously was sentenced to 36 months.
At yesterdays hearing, Judge Sessions heard evidence that Bedell=s drug customers included 10 area female addicts whom he coerced into performing sexual acts to compensate for drug debts. Photos and videos of the females were found in Bedell's seized iPhones. He also had addict customers steal items and swap them to him for drugs, and had them transfer to him personal belongings such as cameras, jewelry and electronics in exchange for drugs and as collateral for drug debts.
Judge Sessions observed that Bedell's conduct was Aappalling, and his continued drug dealing after prior convictions aggravating. The Court imposed a term of imprisonment of 168 months, followed by a term of supervised release.
The U.S. Attorney expressed gratitude for a superb investigation by the Burlington Police Department. Bedell was represented by David McColgin of the Federal Public Defender. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Darrow.Arizonan Mark Karas Imprisoned for Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Mark Karas, 52, of Tucson, AZ, was sentenced today to 30 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he conspired to distribute oxycodone. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered that Karas serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. Karas has been incarcerated since his arrest last April.
According to court records, on March 1, 2012, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned an indictment charging Karas and Mark Turner, 28, of Fairfax, with conspiring to distribute oxycodone. In the winter of 2012, Milton Police Officers made several controlled purchases of oxycodone from Turner. Local law enforcement officials and postal inspectors then executed search warrants at Turner's residence and on a piece of U.S. mail and seized drugs, a gun and money. Further investigation developed that Karas was mailing the oxycodone pills to Turner from Arizona and Turner was paying for the drugs by return mail.
Turner pled guilty to the charge in 2013 and was sentenced last fall to time served. Karas was not arrested until last spring, following a traffic stop in Missouri.
This case was investigated by the Milton Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Karas is represented to Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. Turner was represented by Chris Davis. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Wolcott Used Car Dealer Doug Jordan Jailed for FraudRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Douglas Jordan, 40, of Wolcott, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Rutland to 8 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge of odometer fraud. Chief Judge Christina Reiss also ordered that Jordan serve a one-year term of supervised release once he gets out of jail. The court indicated it will order Jordan to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a future hearing. Judge Reiss directed Jordan to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on April 8 to begin serving his sentence.
On April 29, 2013, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a three-count indictment against Jordan, a former used car dealer who did business under the name Auto Credit Solutions. According to the indictment, Jordan bought high-mileage used cars at auctions in Vermont and then resold them. The indictment accused Jordan of defrauding customers by concealing malfunctions in various safety and operating systems on vehicles he was selling. Jordan caused the removal or disabling of warning lights for anti-lock brake, air bag and check engine warning systems. This enabled him to resell the vehicles for more than their fair market value. In one instance, Jordan also tampered with the odometer on a pick-up truck by rolling the mechanical odometer back 100,000 miles.
Jordan pled guilty to the odometer fraud charge last October. After his guilty plea, DMV revoked Jordan's license to sell used cars.Jordan is represented by assistant Federal Public Defender. David McColgin. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Hancock Man Sentenced to Five Years for Manufacturing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that today Michael Wood, 46, of Hancock, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to sixty months imprisonment on his guilty plea to a charge of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. Judge Sessions also ordered Wood to serve four years supervised release after his incarceration ends.
According to court documents, Wood manufactured and distributed methamphetamine at his residence in Hancock during fall 2012. In November 2012, the Vermont Drug Task Force (VDTF) made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Wood. On November 20, 2012, the VDTF executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing evidence of methamphetamine production. Wood was arrested on that date and charged initially in Addison County Superior Court by the Vermont Attorney General=s Office. The state charges were dismissed after a federal grand jury returned the indictment. At the sentencing hearing the court determined that Wood had manufactured twenty to thirty-five grams of methamphetamine. Wood has been detained since his arrest.
United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commended the investigation into methamphetamine production by the VDTF and thanked the Vermont Attorney General's Office for its assistance and cooperation. Federal Defender Michael Desautels represented Wood. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan.
Jody Farnham Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement from UvmRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Jody Farnham, 55, of Burlington, pleaded guilty on January 28, 2014, in United States District Court in Rutland to a charge of federal program embezzlement. Chief Judge Christina Reiss released Farnham on conditions pending her sentencing, which has been set for June 16.
According to the information to which Farnham pled guilty, Farnham had been employed for a number of years by the University of Vermont, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Farnham was an office support specialist for the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese, which provided educational, research and technical consulting services to artisan cheese makers. VIAC offered courses and workshops in cheesemaking and enrollees paid tuition to UVM to attend the programs. According to the information, Farnham began embezzling money from UVM in about 2006 and, before the thefts were discovered in late 2012, she stole not less than $185,000. Farnham embezzled much of the money by altering checks given to her by VIAC enrollees.
Farnham changed the checks, which were made out to VIAC, to make her a co-payee. She then deposited the forged checks into her personal bank account. Farnham also stole some cash tuition payments, and misused UVM credit cards to make personal purchases. During the time period of the embezzlement, UVM received substantial amounts of federal funding.As part of her plea agreement, Farnham consented to the entry of a $185,000 forfeiture money judgment.
Farnham faces up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the University of Vermont Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Farnham is represented by Robert Hemley. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Burlington Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated today that Brent McDonald, 60, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced on January 30, 2014, in United States District Court in Brattleboro, Vermont, to serve 151-months imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release following his guilty plea to four counts of possession and distribution of crack cocaine and heroin. Senior United States District Judge J. Garvan Murtha also ordered McDonald to pay a $400 special assessment.
According to court records, at the time of the offense conduct, McDonald was a career offender on supervised release from his prior federal conviction for drug trafficking and possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. McDonald sold crack cocaine on three occasions to a confidential informant. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at McDonald’s residence, they discovered quantities of crack cocaine and heroin.
United States Attorney Coffin commended the work of the Burlington Police Department in the investigation of the case. Mr. McDonald was represented by Elizabeth D. Mann. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara A. Masterson.
Michelle Rutledge Pleads Guilty to Two Central Vermont EmbezzlementsRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Michelle Rutledge, 47, of Berlin, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Brattleboro to a charge of wire fraud. District Judge J. Garvan Murtha released Rutledge on conditions pending her sentencing, which has been set for May 15.
According to the information to which she pled guilty, for more than a dozen years Rutledge served as the office manager and bookkeeper for the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury. For about two years, she also served as the treasurer for the Harwood Youth Hockey Association. Between June 2007 and June 2013, Rutledge embezzled substantial sums of money from the cider mill by using company credit cards without authorization and causing electronic transfers of cider mill funds to pay personal bills and expenses. She also stole substantial sums from the Harwood Hockey Association by using credit cards without authorization and by paying personal bills with checks drawn against the Hockey Association checking account.
As part of her plea agreement, Rutledge consented to the entry at sentencing of a forfeiture money judgment in an amount to be determined by the court.
Rutledge faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Rutledge is represented by Brooks McArthur. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
John Quinn Pleads Guilty to Internet Sales of Tools Stolen from Ge AviationRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that John Quinn, 55, of Rutland, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to a charge of mail fraud. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III released Quinn on conditions pending his sentencing, which has been set for April 21.
According to the information to which Quinn pled guilty, Quinn had been employed for a number of years as a subcontractor for GE Aviation in Rutland. The GE facility manufactures components for jet engines on military and commercial aircraft. Quinn served as an account manager and was involved in the ordering, stocking and delivering of tools and other materials. According to the information, Quinn began stealing tools from GE Aviation's inventory no later than 2009 and resold the stolen tools over the Internet. Most of the stolen hardware consisted of high-speed carbide drill bits. Purchasers paid for the stolen tools by depositing funds into Quinn's personal PayPal account. According to PayPal records, between 2009 and July 2013, Quinn realized more than $108,000 from sales of carbide drill bits.
GE Aviation came to suspect that Quinn might be stealing company property last spring and conducted a sting operation where security personnel made three undercover purchases from Quinn. Quinn typically used the U.S. mails to send the stolen tools to the purchasers.
As part of his plea agreement, Quinn consented to the entry of a $108,000 forfeiture money judgment.
Quinn faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Rutland office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Quinn is represented by Barry Griffith. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Arlen Mcwain of Barre Sentenced on Possession of Explosive Materials ChargeRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on January 15, 2014, Arlen McWain, 60, of Barre, Vermont was sentenced to time served after his guilty plea to a charge that he possessed explosive materials as a convicted felon in July 2012. At the time of sentencing, McWain had been in custody in this case for approximately 18 months. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered that McWain serve two years of supervised release. As part of the conditions of his supervised release, McWain is prohibited from possessing explosive materials.
According to court records, McWain was convicted in California in 1992 of felony possession of an explosive device. He served a two year sentence in connection with that case. In this case, the Barre City Police Department received complaints from concerned citizens in July 2012 that McWain was constructing improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”) in his apartment. The Barre City Police Department obtained a search warrant for McWain’s apartment, where they recovered several small IEDs consisting of spent ammunition casings and wicking material. Law enforcement also recovered smokeless powder, several empty ammunition casings, and a loaded. 22 caliber rifle. Due to his felony criminal record, McWain was prohibited by law from possessing both the firearm and the explosive powder.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Barre City Police Department, with assistance from the Vermont State Police Bomb Squad. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Doyle. McWain is represented by Federal Defender Michael L. Desautels.
Windsor and Bellows Falls Men Sentenced for Trading Handguns to Frank Caraballo for DrugsRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated today that two men who separately traded different handguns to convicted drug dealer Frank Caraballo, of Holyoke, Massachusetts were recently sentenced by Chief Judge Reiss of the United States District Court in Rutland.
Chief Judge Reiss sentenced Robert Cappiallo, 29, of Windsor, Vermont, to 52 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. Judge Reiss previously sentenced Thomas Parrott, 33, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, to 58 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court records, including testimony in the trial of United States v. Frank Caraballo, in July 2011, a few weeks before Caraballo caused the murder of Melissa Barratt on July 28, 2011 in Dummerston, Vermont, Parrott traded a Glock 9mm handgun to Caraballo for several grams of crack cocaine. This trade occurred late one evening in the Hannaford’s parking lot in Brattleboro, Vermont. According to the forensic evidence introduced at Caraballo’s trial, a Glock 9mm was used to murder Barratt.
According to court records, including testimony in the trial of United States v. Frank Caraballo, in early July 2011, Cappiallo stole a Desert Eagle .357 handgun from his brother-in-law in Windsor, Vermont. Cappiallo later traded this firearm in Ludlow, Vermont to Caraballo to pay off a drug debt for heroin and crack cocaine and to obtain additional drugs. This firearm was never recovered.
In the past few years, the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted several other individuals who obtained handguns for drug dealers, including drug addicts who traded such firearms for drugs, as well as the drug dealers who obtained such firearms. These firearms are often used to commit additional crimes. For example, in United States v. Jewel Hurt, a handgun (Cobra .380 pistol) traded to Jewel Hurt in Rutland by a drug addict for a few grams of crack cocaine in 2010 was later stolen from Hurt by Lamont James (aka “Supreme”) in an armed home invasion in Rutland. On October 28, 2010, in the Stewart’s parking lot in Rutland, James displayed this firearm in a threatening manner and was fatally shot by a Vermont State Trooper. Jewel Hurt was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment by United States District Court Judge J. Garvan Murtha.
In another gun-for-drug trade, pertaining to the cases of United States v. Gregory Gosselin, and United States v. Michael Norrie, Norrie traded a .22 handgun he stole from his father in Sheffield, Vermont, to Greg Gosselin for marijuana and money. Soon afterwards, on October 19, 2009, Gosselin and Scott Tobyne used this handgun to rob a young female McDonald’s employee in Lyndonville,Vermont who was making a night deposit at a Lyndonville bank. Judge Reiss sentenced Gosselin to 49 months imprisonment, Norrie to 56 months imprisonment, and Tobyne to 39 months imprisonment.
United States Attorney Tristram Coffin stated that: “these cases tragically illustrate that firearms conveyed to drug dealers are often used to commit violent crimes. These cases also show that it is unlikely that firearms illegally traded to drug dealers are used for lawful sporting purposes. The United States Attorney’s Office, with our partners at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, will continue to vigorously prosecute those who trade guns for drugs, purchase guns for drug dealers, or otherwise unlawfully put firearms in the hands of criminals.”
The Parrott and Cappiallo cases were jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Vermont Drug Task Force. The United States is represented in these cases by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Van de Graaf and Joe Perella. Robert Cappiallo is represented by Jordana Levine of White River Junction. Thomas Parrott is represented by Thomas Sherrer of Burlington
Chandara Sam Sentenced to 14 Years Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Chandara Sam, 31, of Lowell, Massachusetts was sentenced to 168 months in prison, having pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III, sitting in Burlington, also sentenced Sam to 4 years of supervised release.
Court records show that Sam, who goes by the alias “Po” was taken into custody in April 2013 in White River Junction, after selling approximately 40 grams of heroin to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Sam has been incarcerated since his arrest.Court records further show that Sam is a member of a larger group that distributed an especially strong form of heroin in the Burlington area from about mid-2011 through the time of Sam's arrest. This heroin is known as “Chi town” or “Chi”, short for Chicago, and has caused several overdoses. The Vermont State Police Drug Task Force began an investigation into Sam's heroin ring in December 2011.
In January 2013, members of the Essex Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested two individuals, Edward Chavin, also known as “Tommy,” and Christopher Nason in the Handy’s Suites in Essex. Chavin was found in possession of more than 100 grams of heroin. He and Nason were subsequently indicted for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and both have pled guilty. The Handy’s Suites raid occurred following a heroin overdose in a nearby room. Investigation revealed that Chavin, Nason, and Sam were part of the same heroin ring, and that Chavin had been transporting heroin from Chicago to the Burlington area for nearly a year prior to his arrest.
Following Sam’s arrest, law enforcement in Lowell, Massachusetts executed a search warrant at his residence. They recovered another 30 grams of heroin, bullets, about $47,000 cash, part of a .45 caliber hand gun, and two digital scales. Court records reveal that Sam carried handguns and used violence during the time he trafficked heroin in Vermont. Sam has a criminal history that includes six prior felony offenses and several instances of unlawful weapons and firearms activity.For his crime, Sam faced a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. In sentencing Sam, Judge Sessions noted the large volume of heroin Sam distributed, as well as its potency. Judge Sessions also cited Sam’s use of guns and violence during the drug conspiracy, and his significant criminal history.
The investigation was a collaborative effort of the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; the Essex and Burlington, Vermont Police Departments; and the Lowell, Massachusetts Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Christina Nolan prosecuted the case. Sam is represented by Jean-Claude Charbonneau of Rutland, Vermont.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $13 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2013Read the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Tristram J. Coffin announced today that the District of Vermont collected $8,078,858 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2013. Of this amount, $1,481,573was collected in criminal actions and $6,597,285 was collected in civil actions Additionally, the office collected $4,970,388 in criminal and civil forfeitures, for a total recovery of $13,049,246. The largest part of that amount was $4.3 million recovered last May as part of the settlement relating to tax and health care fraud violations of three former officers of Bennington School, Inc.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced on Thursday that the Justice Department collectedapproximately $8.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013. The more than $8 billion in collections in FY 2013 represents nearly three times the appropriated $2.76 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
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 to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Newport Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that John Kuhl, 42, of Newport, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont, on January 2, 2014, to serve 60-months imprisonment and a five (5) year term of supervised release following his conviction on one count of receipt of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2). Chief Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Kuhl to pay a $100 special assessment.
According to court records, Kuhl gave a cell phone to a minor female and instructed her to take photos of her genitalia and to send the photos to him, which the minor female did. A forensic examination of Kuhl’s telephone revealed the existence of the photos the minor had taken and sent to him. This activity came to law enforcement attention when it investigated allegations that Kuhl had inappropriately touched four other minors during a boat trip in Newport, Vermont.
The prosecution of Kuhl was being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Masterson. Kuhl was represented by David McColgin of the Federal Defender’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Coffin commended the efforts of the Newport Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the investigation and prosecution of Kuhl.
U.S. Attorney Coffin noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice=s Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney=s Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.Shelburne Man Sentenced to 26 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that, on January 2, 2014, Justin Bosley, 27, of Shelburne, Vermont was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison after his guilty plea to charges that he possessed firearms while being a heroin user. Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss, sitting in Rutland, also ordered that Bosley serve two years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court records, Bosley was connected to a large-scale heroin ring led by New York City man, Videsh Raghoonanan, a.k.a. ABush.@ Raghoonanan sold large quantities of controlled substances, including over one kilogram of heroin, during a drug distribution conspiracy that lasted from at least 2011 until Raghoonanan=s arrest in December of 2012. Raghoonanan obtained primarily heroin, and sometimes cocaine base, in New York City and transported it to Vermont for re-sale at a significant profit. Raghoonanan would obtain handguns from customers in Vermont in exchange for heroin and then transport those firearms back to New York City. Raghoonanan would also carry a handgun while dealing drugs in Vermont.In 2011, Bosley provided a semi-automatic handgun to a South Burlington heroin dealer in exchange for heroin. The South Burlington dealer, who worked for Raghoonanan, subsequently provided the handgun to him. Also in 2011, Bosley provided a second semi-automatic handgun directly to Raghoonanan in exchange for heroin. At the time of these exchanges, Bosley was abusing heroin, which made his possession of the firearms illegal under federal law. The two handguns have not been recovered.
For his crime, Bosley was subject to a maximum term of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. In determining the sentence, Judge Reiss balanced, among other factors, the seriousness of Bosley=s offense, his significant heroin addiction, and his lack of a criminal record.
During the course of this investigation, a number of Raghoonanan=s associates and co-conspirators have been convicted of federal offenses. On November 11, 2012, Justin Morrill was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison on a heroin conspiracy charge. On January 15, 2013, Maria Hunton was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison on a heroin conspiracy charge. On January 17, 2013, Ryan Orvis was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison on a cocaine conspiracy charge. On June 3, 2013, Patrick Lepore was sentenced to time-served on a cocaine base conspiracy charge. On October 9, 2013, Eric Jophlin was sentenced to 60 months in prison on a heroin conspiracy charge. On October 17, 2013, Videsh Raghoonanan was sentenced to 145 month in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and possessing firearms in furtherance of that conspiracy. On December 2, 2013, Marc Wells was sentenced to 24 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. On December 18, 2013, Barton Gray was sentenced to 59 months in prison on a heroin conspiracy charge. Bosley was the last of the defendants associated with the Raghoonanan ring to be sentenced.
This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commended the efforts of these agencies during this lengthy investigation.The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Timothy C. Doherty, Jr. Bosley is represented by defense attorney Douglas G. Kallen.
Rutland Man Sentenced to Nine Years Imprisonment for Federal Conviction for Heroin and Crack Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on December 18, 2013, Chief Judge Christina Reiss, of the United States District Court, sentenced Calvin Alexander, 31, of Rutland to nine years imprisonment for conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in the Rutland area. Alexander previously pled guilty to this offense and had agreed to a nine-year sentence.
According to court records, two weeks before the federal drug charges were brought in February 2013, the defendant was charged in state court with a home invasion in Rutland. According to state court records, this home invasion allegedly involved four male subjects, including the defendant (also known as “Drama”), storming into a Rutland residence with pepper spray and a firearm and attempting to rob the occupants of drugs and cash. Two of the occupants were injured in the assault. The defendant allegedly actively participated in this home invasion, including kicking in the door. In consideration of the defendant’s plea to a nine-year federal sentence, the United States Attorney’s Office agreed to recommend to the State Attorney’s Office that the state charges be dismissed.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella while the defendant is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. This case was jointly investigated by the Vermont Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives.Veteran Sentenced for Fraudulent Receipt of Travel Reimbursement Benefits from Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in White River JunctionRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that, on December 12, 2013, Scott Lavertue, 45, of Vershire, Vermont, was sentenced to five years of probation, including a four-month period of home confinement, and restitution in the amount of $24,637.29.
Under certain circumstances, the Department of Veterans Affairs reimburses veterans’ transportation costs when they travel to and from a VA medical facility for treatment. According to court records, Lavertue submitted 340 mileage reimbursement claims between November 2, 2009 and April 20, 2011. The bulk of these reimbursement forms Lavertue submitted indicated that he was living in Richford, Vermont, which is located along the U.S./Canada border approximately 127 miles from the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont. At the time he made these claims for reimbursement, Lavertue was not actually living at the Richford address, but rather at a location much closer to the VA facility.
On August 12, 2013, Lavertue pled guilty to knowingly submitting false claims for reimbursement to the VA, and agreed to pay restitution in the amount of the fraudulent proceeds.
United States Attorney Tristram, J. Coffin commented that the travel program provides financial reimbursement to veterans so that they can more easily receive the medical treatment they deserve at VA medical facilities. The fraud in this case diverted important financial resources from the VA’s critical mission of caring for our veterans.
This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Veterans Affairs Police and VA Medical Center Management.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Doyle. Lavertue is represented by Michael L. Desautels, Federal Defender for the District of Vermont.
Susan Wells Sentenced for Oxycodone DistributionRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Susan Wells, 40, of Colchester, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington following her guilty plea to a charge that she distributed oxycodone. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Wells to two years of probation. As one condition of probation, Wells must perform 100 hours of community service.
This past June, the government filed a criminal information alleging that Wells distributed oxycodone on three dates in April and May 2012; Wells pled guilty to the charge one week later. According to court records, after authorities learned that employees and others had participated in the embezzlement of more than $550,000 from Brault's Mobile Homes, Inc. of Colchester, they interviewed two former employees. The employees admitted to embezzling funds from the company and stated that they had used the money to buy prescription pain medications. They identified Wells as their source for some of the drugs they bought between 2009 and 2011. In the spring of 2012, police arranged for one of the embezzlers to make three controlled purchases of oxycodone from Wells.
This case was investigated by the Colchester Police Department and the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Wells is represented by David Kidney. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
New York Man Charged with Purchasing Atv in Enosburg with Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated today that Francis Hamblin, 30, of Fort Ann, New York, entered a not guilty plea to a one-count indictment charging that he used counterfeit currency to purchase an ATV in Enosburg, Vermont. Hamblin was ordered detained, without bail, pending trial by Magistrate-Judge John Conroy.
According to court records, the government alleges that, on October 19, 2013, Hamblin, in response to an advertisement on Craig’s List, purchased a Yamaha ATV vehicle from a man in Enosburg with $3,500 in counterfeit U.S. currency. The seller of the ATV later became suspicious of the currency and contacted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office who confirmed the currency was counterfeit. Investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office then led to Hamblin’s arrest.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If he is convicted, Hamblin faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of twenty years.
This case was investigated jointly by the United States Secret Service and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. The defendant is represented by the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Burlington.
Cambridge Pharmacy Robber IndictedRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Friday Russell John Thaxton, 48, of Morrisville, was presented in United States District Court for arraignment on an indictment charging him with pharmacy robbery. Thaxton entered a not guilty plea. United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy granted the government=s motion to detain Thaxton pending trial.
According to court records, on August 29, 2013, Vermont State Police (VSP) responded to a reported robbery at the Kinney Drug pharmacy in Cambridge. After obtaining statements from store employees and customers, VSP stopped a vehicle matching the description provided by the witnesses and arrested Russell John Thaxton, 48, and Jennifer Stancliff, 30, both of Morrisville, and Amanda Tetreault, 31, of Eden. Lamoille County State=s Attorney charged all three in state court. After further investigation by VSP and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), on December 5, 2013, a federal grand jury indicted Thaxton for robbing the pharmacy of controlled substances valued at more than $500.
If convicted of the crime charged in the indictment, Thaxton faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Any actual sentence will be determined by the sentencing court in accordance with the advisory federal sentencing guidelines and federal law. United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin cautioned that Thaxton is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
U.S. Attorney Coffin commended the investigation by VSP and DEA, and thanked State=s Attorney Page for his cooperation. Thaxton is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan.
Burlington Man to Serve Fourteen Years in Prison for Cocaine Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that on Monday, December 16, 2013, Ramell Holder, 36, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced to 168 months, or fourteen years, in prison by the Honorable William K. Sessions III. Holder had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and money laundering. Holder also agreed to forfeit to the government approximately $24,000, a 2004 Land Rover, and a parcel of land in Richford, Vermont.
According to court documents, Holder’s involvement in cocaine started in 1998 and in 2004, when he was involved with distributing drugs with his uncles, Clayton and Edward Sinclair. Clayton and Edward Sinclair were later convicted on federal drug conspiracy charges and sentenced to 151 months in prison. By 2010, the DEA had officially opened a case against Holder for his involvement in cocaine distribution. From November 2011 to February 2012, the DEA, using a confidential source, purchased 442.3 grams of cocaine from Holder at his residence on Calarco Court in Burlington. The DEA investigation later revealed that Holder had trafficked between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine to Vermont between 2007 to 2012. Holder also used violence during the offense in a dispute with one of his drug distributors over payment for cocaine.
The grand jury in Burlington returned an indictment against Holder and others in November 2012. Holder was initially released on personal recognizance but later detained after allegations surfaced that he committed fraud against the Home Depot while on release. At sentencing, Holder’s Guidelines were 262-327 months. The government asked the Court for a 20 year sentence and the Court imposed a sentence of 168 months (14 years). One important factor in the Court’s sentencing decision was that Holder had never served any time in jail before the instant offense.
The case was investigated by the DEA, HSI, Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service, the Vermont State Police, Burlington PD, South Burlington PD, Colchester PD, Essex PD, Milton PD and the DEA Financial Investigations Team. Assistant United States Attorney Wendy L. Fuller prosecuted the case.
Troy Mcilwain of Philadelphia Sentenced to 57 Months on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that, on
December 12, 2013, Troy McIlwain, 25, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after his guilty plea to a charge that he possessed two firearms as a convicted felon in June 2012. United States District Judge J. Garvan Murtha, sitting in Brattleboro, also ordered that McIlwain serve two years of supervised release following his prison term.According to court records, McIlwain’s criminal history includes a felony burglary conviction, possession of stolen property, domestic assault, and several probation violations. On June 25, 2012, McIlwain was in absconder status from the Philadelphia County Probation Office and had an active arrest warrant issued by the Chittenden Superior Court in Vermont based on an allegation of aggravated domestic assault. On that day, law enforcement observed McIlwain operating a motor vehicle on North Street in Burlington’s North End. After McIlwain parked the vehicle at 72 Front Street, Burlington Police Officers and Deputy U.S. Marshals approached McIlwain as he stood behind the vehicle. McIlwain ran from law enforcement, scaled a fence, and fled. While chasing McIlwain, law enforcement recovered a loaded Snakeslayer firearm that McIlwain discarded as he fled police. The Snakeslayer is designed to shoot both .45 caliber rounds and .410 gauge shotgun shells. Following McIlwain’s trail, law enforcement observed a bloody t-shirt under one of the windows to 72 Front Street and blood on the window sill. Officers established a secure perimeter around the apartment building, and McIlwain surrendered after an hours-long stand-off with authorities. A subsequent search of the room in which McIlwain was hiding turned up a Heritage Arms .22 caliber revolver and assorted ammunition.
McIlwain was arrested after a series of suspected drug-related shootings in the Burlington area in June 2012, including an incident in which shots rang out in the Farrell Street apartment complex in South Burlington on June 7, 2012. According to court records, McIlwain was involved in this South Burlington incident. According to one witness, McIlwain and an associate, brandishing firearms, confronted two individuals as they stood in the entrance to a Farrell Street apartment building. McIlwain and his associate eventually let the two go. Minutes later, McIlwain and his associate fled the apartment building, guns at their side, and got into a waiting car. As they drove away, several gunshots were fired at them from the Farrell Street apartment building.
United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commented that firearms in the hands of convicted felons present a serious threat to public safety. “The prosecution of Troy McIlwain and related individuals in this investigation show a concerted effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to pursue those who endanger our community by unlawfully possessing firearms.”
This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Winooski Police Department. U.S. Attorney Coffin commended the efforts of these agencies during this investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Doyle. McIlwain is represented by Assistant Federal Defender David L. McColgin.
Fire Captain Jailed for Conspiring to Set FiresRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that George Allen, age 30, of Wallingford, Vermont, former Captain of the Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department, was sentenced to 13 months in jail yesterday by Chief Judge Christina Reiss, of the United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont. Allen was found guilty after a jury trial last July of conspiring with younger members of the fire department to set a series of outdoor fires in Wallingford in early 2008. Because several of the fires were in the Green Mountain National Forest, owned by United States, the arsons were charged in federal court.
At the July trial the jury determined that Captain Allen conspired with several teenaged members of the fire department to start the fires. The motive was the excitement of responding to a fire with the fire department, and the boredom of being on a department with few fire calls. After the younger firemen set fires and called 911, Captain Allen and the Wallingford Fire Department responded to extinguish them.
At sentencing yesterday, Chief Judge Reiss found that the offense was Aoutrageous@ and Adangerous,@ entailing risks of injury to both firefighters and the public, as emergency vehicles traveled the roads. Current Wallingford Fire Chief Stephane Goulet made a statement to the Court regarding the adverse impact of the offense on the department=s personnel, finances, equipment, and reputation.
Allen, represented by attorney Mark Furlan of Rutland, asked for a probationary sentence, urging that no-one had been hurt. The United States, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Darrow, asked for a term of imprisonment of at least 15 months. The Court imposed a sentence of 13 months, to begin in January, and also ordered Allen to serve two years of supervised release, perform 75 hours of community service, and pay a $100 assessment.
The U.S. Attorney=s Office credited the Vermont State Police Arson Unit, and the U.S. Forest Service with the investigation, and thanked the Wallingford Fire Department for its cooperation.
Vermont Lake Monsters Take Steps to Comply with the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announces that the Vermont Lake Monsters have completed specific modifications at Centennial Field to improve accessibility as described in Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Title III of the ADA prohibits a public accommodation from denying an individual or a class of individuals, on the basis of a disability, the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of an entity. Title III requires a public accommodation to remove architectural barriers to access in existing facilities where it is readily achievable to do so. The United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation began following a complaint regarding accessibility at Lake Monsters’ home games played at Centennial Field.
In particular, the United States Attorney’s Office investigated ADA compliance issues related to the Centennial Field’s parking lot, access route, and seating arrangement. The Lake Monsters have completed improvements to Centennial Field making all three of these areas more accessible under the ADA.
Assistant United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest, with assistance from the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, handled this matter on behalf of the United States and is working with other Vermont businesses to resolve their ADA compliance issues. Further information on the ADA and its requirements may be found at www.ada.gov.
Allen Locke Pleads Not Guilty to Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Allen Locke, 64, a New Hampshire native who moved to Vermont in early 2013, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to a charge that he travelled in interstate commerce without updating his registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy released Locke on conditions, which includes house arrest, pending trial. Locke’s trial has not been scheduled.
According to court records, Locke was convicted in New Hampshire in 1984 of aggravated sexual assault. That conviction requires him to register as a sex offender with officials of any state where he resides or to which he moves. In early 2013, after being released from prison in Massachusetts, Locke moved to Vermont. However, he did not register as a sex offender with Vermont officials until late October 2013. Under federal law, when a sex offender moves from one state to another, he has three days to update his registration. On November 7, 2013, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a one-count indictment charging Locke with failing to timely register as a sex offender after moving to Vermont.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge against Locke is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
If convicted, Locke faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Office of Inspector General of the Veterans Administration.
Locke is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Woodstock, Vermont Business Primrose Garden Gift Shop Takes Steps to Comply with the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announces that the owners of Primrose Garden Gift Shop and the building in which it is located at 26 Central Street Woodstock, Vermont have agreed to complete specific modifications to come into compliance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Title III of the ADA prohibits a public accommodation from denying an individual or a class of individuals, on the basis of a disability, the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of an entity. Title III requires a public accommodation to remove architectural barriers to access in existing facilities where it is readily achievable to do so. The United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation began following a complaint made to the Vermont Human Rights Commission regarding the accessibility of Primrose Garden Gift Shop.
An onsite survey of Primrose Garden Gift Shop performed by United States Department of Justice architects revealed ADA compliance issues related to the shop’s entrance and interior space. Primrose Garden Gift Shop will remedy the agreed upon ADA compliance issues by April 30, 2014.
Primrose Garden Gift Shop’s owner and the owner of the building in which Primrose Garden Gift Shop is located recognized their obligation to address the issues identified in the onsite survey. Anne Nestler, owner of Primrose Garden Gift Shop, and Thomas Byrne, owner of 26 Central Street, are to be commended for their cooperation with the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont worked in partnership with Tracey Tsugawa of the Vermont Human Rights Commission in addressing and resolving these important civil rights issues. Assistant United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest, with assistance from the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, handled this matter on behalf of the United States and is working with other Vermont businesses to resolve their ADA compliance issues. Further information on the ADA and its requirements may be found at www.ada.gov.Enosberg Falls Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated today that David Ritchie II, 23, of Enosburg Falls, Vermont, was sentenced on October 16, 2013, in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont, to serve eight-months imprisonment following his guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered the defendant to serve a five-year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment.
United States Attorney Coffin commended the work of the Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Homeland Security, and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Mr. Ritchie was represented by Assistant Federal Defender Steven L. Barth. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara A. Masterson.
United States Attorney Coffin noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Bellows Falls Man Sentenced for Failure to Pay Child SupportRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated today that Lee Godden, 36, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, was sentenced on October 2, 2013, in United States District Court in Brattleboro, Vermont, to serve two-months imprisonment and a one-year term of supervised release following his guilty plea to two counts of failure to pay child support. Senior United States District Judge J. Garvan Murtha also ordered the defendant to pay restitution to his mothers of his two children in the amount of $50,771.00 and $50,131.13, for a total of $100,902.13.
United States Attorney Coffin commended the work of the Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services in investigating the case. Mr. Godden was represented by Assistant Federal Defender David L. McColgin. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara A. Masterson.Florida Fraudster GuiltyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Florida man Craig Lee Workman, age 42, pleaded guilty before Judge William K. Sessions in federal court in Burlington yesterday to a fraud conspiracy.
Workman admitted that during 2010‑12, he used identification information belonging to other persons to file false income tax returns under their names, claiming tax refunds. The fraudulent filings directed the IRS to wire refunds to bank accounts controlled by Workman in Florida and Vermont. He did this about 125 times, 25 times successfully, causing the IRS to pay out around $180,000 in refunds to his banks. There were about 100 unsuccessful 1040 filings, which did not result in refunds. Workman and his spouse bought, among other things, a Mercedes Benz with the proceeds.
In April, 2011, Workman and his spouse visited five different H&R Block offices in northeastern Vermont and nearby New Hampshire. In each, they sought assistance filing tax returns for other persons, whom they described as incarcerated family members.
Workman faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years. The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. Workman has been detained by the U.S. Marshal=s Service since his arrest in Florida several months ago. He is represented by Federal Public Defender David McColgin. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Darrow.
Swanton Man Indicted for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Timothy Keevan, 48, of Swanton, Vermont, was charged in a single-count indictment with accessing images of child pornography with the intent to view them, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B). Keevan pleaded not guilty to the charge when arraigned on September 24, 2013. At that hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy denied the government’s motion for detention and released Keevan on conditions.
According to court records and proceedings, Keevan, an operations support technician with U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service who works in the shipping and receiving warehouse in St. Albans, Vermont, used a work-issued computer to access websites that displayed images of child pornography. Keevan’s activities were discovered because his computer, like all government issued computers, was continually monitored for non-work related or other inappropriate activity. The computer was confiscated and the images of child pornography were discovered on it.
If convicted of the child exploitation charge, Keevan faces a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of five (5) years, and up to a lifetime term, of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence in the event of conviction would be determined by the court with reference to the advisory federal sentencing guidelines. United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin stated that the indictment is an accusation only and that Keevan is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney Coffin commended the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory K. Null for the Northeast Region, the Vermont State Police, the United States Secret Service, and the Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in conducting the investigation of Keevan.
The prosecution of Keevan is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Masterson. Keevan is represented by David McColgin of the Federal Defender’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Coffin noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice=s Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney=s Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Jury Finds New York Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on September 19, 2013, a federal jury sitting in Brattleboro returned guilty verdicts against James Collins, 33, of Hudson, New York, on charges of distribution of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The verdict came on the third day of the trial.
According to court records, Collins distributed crack cocaine in Rutland on four occasions in the summer of 2012. At the end of the summer, he traveled to Ludlow to with crack cocaine he intended to sell. During a traffic stop of his vehicle en route to Ludlow, law enforcement seized the crack cocaine and a loaded semi-automatic handgun from his person.
Collins faces imprisonment for a term of up to 20 years on each of the drug charges. The firearm charge is punishable by a consecutive term of not less than 5 years and not more than life.
United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commended the joint investigation by the Vermont Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Collins was represented by Barre attorney David Kidney. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christina Nolan.
U.S. Attorney Coffin noted also that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood, a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF, Project Safe Neighborhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who violate federal gun laws. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhood and Project Safe Vermont, please visit: www.psn.gov.
Vermont Corrections Officer Charged with Engaging in Sexual Conduct with InmateRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated today that the Grand Jury has returned an Indictment charging Tracy Holliman, of South Burlington, with four counts of engaging in sexual acts with women who were held in federal custody at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington. The Grand Jury charged that Holliman engaged in this conduct with two different women who were being held relating to federal charges between April and June, 2013.
It is a federal felony for a correctional officer to engage in sexual acts with a federal inmate over whom the officer has custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority, while working at a federal facility or one that that contracts with the United States to house federal detainees. Consent is not a legal defense to corrections staff who engage in sexual acts with inmates. The United States Attorney noted that this is due to several factors, including the inherent inequality between inmates and correctional staff.
Holliman is presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted after a trial or pleads guilty.
Following his arrest, Holliman was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy and released on conditions.
Working in cooperation with the Vermont Department of Corrections, this matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Vermont State Police.
Holliman is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq., of Burlington.Five Rutland Residents Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that yesterday five residents of the City of Rutland were arrested during an early morning federal-state-local operation and presented in United States District Court for arraignment on indictments charging violations of the federal Controlled Substances Act. The five defendants and their respective charges are:
• Ernest Murray, 51, Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine, and 28 Grams or more of Crack Cocaine; and Distribution of Crack Cocaine (three counts);
• Eric Dixon, 44, Distribution of Crack Cocaine and/or Heroin (four counts);
• Terrence Chenault, 30, Distribution of Crack Cocaine and/or Heroin (three counts);• Andrew Harris, 24, Distribution of Heroin (one count); and
• Morgaine Chuderski, 25, Distribution of Crack Cocaine (two counts).
All five defendants entered pleas of not guilty.
The government moved to detain each of the five pending trial. United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy ordered Chenault detained pending trial, and scheduled detention hearings next week with respect to the other four defendants.
United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. If convicted, Murray faces imprisonment for a term between five and forty years on the conspiracy charge, and all defendants face up to twenty years on each of the distribution charges. Any actual sentences in the event of conviction will be determined pursuant to the advisory federal sentencing guidelines and the federal statutory sentencing factors.
United States Attorney Coffin commended the collaborative investigation led by the Vermont Drug Task Force with assistance from the Rutland City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Perella and Craig Nolan.
Sex Offender Who Used Soldier’s Identification SentencedRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that David P. Oswald, age 47, was sentenced to 140 months in prison today by Chief Judge Christina Reiss of the U.S. District Court in Rutland, Vermont. Oswald lived in Vermont for six years, from 2006 - 2012, as Bobby Lee Triplett, a U.S. Army Veteran from North Carolina. Oswald adopted the false identification in order to avoid his obligation to register as a sex offender after a 2005 conviction in Washington State for a sex assault on a child.
After Sgt. Triplett’s car was stolen in Washington State with his military identification in it, Oswald acquired the identification documents and moved to Vermont. In late 2006 he obtained from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles a non-driver’s photo identification card as Triplett, which he then used with other documents to obtain a U.S. Passport identifying him as Triplett. Living as Triplett in Williston, Vermont, Oswald obtained a voter registration card, befriended a retired police officer, purchased 10 firearms, acquired a collection of child pornography over the internet, and joined the Vermont State Guard.
In 2011 Oswald had a heart attack, and again posing as Sgt. Triplett, obtained approximately $50,000 worth of cardiac care at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. The hospital, believing that Oswald was U.S. Army Veteran Triplett, billed the U.S. Veteran’s Affairs. Meanwhile, Sgt. Triplett was on his fourth deployment to the Middle East with the Army. When he returned, he reported to the V.A. in 2012 that he had never been to Vermont. The ensuing investigation by Agent Will Nelson with the V.A.’s Office of Inspector General resulted in Oswald’s September, 2012 arrest in Jonesville, Vermont. Agents found a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his car, along with child pornography and multiple additional firearms in a camper in which he had been staying. When confronted by federal agents and U.S. Marshals, Oswald initially insisted that he was Triplett.
In Court today for sentencing on four federal felonies, Chief Judge Reiss observed that the offenses were particularly aggravated, as Oswald had, among other things, victimized an Army soldier “while he was defending our country” overseas. Chief Judge Reiss imposed a sentence of 140 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. She also ordered over $50,000 in restitution to the V.A. and Fletcher Allen Health Care.
The case was investigated by the V.A. Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The V.A. Police Department in White River Junction, Vermont also assisted. Oswald was represented by Assistant Federal Defender David McColgin of Burlington. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Darrow.
Barre Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Stolen HandgunsRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, stated that on September 5, 2013, Bruce Lamell, 39, of Barre, Vermont, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison for possessing firearms stolen from R&L Archery, a sporting goods store located in Barre, Vermont. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III, sitting in Burlington, also ordered Lamell to serve a term of three years of supervised release following Lamell’s prison sentence.
According to court records, Lamell broke into R&L Archery during the early morning hours of October 29, 2011 and stole five handguns and other merchandise. Law enforcement officials recovered all five stolen firearms from Lamell’s Barre residence on the evening of October 29, 2011. At the time he committed the offense, Lamell was serving a 6-month to 2-year sentence imposed by the Vermont Superior Court in Washington County following Lamell’s 2010 felony conviction for grand larceny. The Vermont Department of Corrections permitted Lamell to serve his sentence at home pursuant to the Department’s furlough program.
For possessing the stolen firearms, Lamell faced a maximum federal prison sentence of 10 years. Pursuant to a written plea agreement, the parties agreed that the court should impose a sentence between 48 and 66 months. In sentencing Lamell to the high end of the agreed-upon range, Judge Sessions considered, among other factors, Lamell’s criminal record and the gravity of the offense.
United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commended the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Barre City Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their hard work and coordinated efforts on this investigation. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Timothy C. Doherty, Jr. Lamell Newton is represented by Mark Kaplan.
United States Attorney Coffin noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood, a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Project Safe Neighborhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who violate federal gun laws. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhood and Project Safe Vermont, please visit: www.psn.gov.
Rutland Woman Imprisoned 15 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that today, Annette Rider, 45, of Rutland, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment on her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. United States District Judge J. Garvan Murtha also ordered Rider to serve three years supervised release after her incarceration ends.
According to court records, Rider conspired with Darlene Palmer, 45, of Rutland, and others to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in Rutland during spring 2011. During that period the Vermont Drug Task Force (VDTF) made several controlled purchases of heroin and crack from Rider and Palmer. On August 1, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging the two with conspiracy and several distribution counts. Rider and Palmer were arrested by the VDTF and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on September 20, 2012. Initially released on conditions, Rider has been detained since March 20, 2013, as a result of violating her conditions. Palmer was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and three years supervised release on June 24, 2013.
United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commended the VDTF and DEA for their joint investigation. Burlington attorney Brooks McArthur represented Rider. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan.
Lyndonville Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Sexual Exploitation of A ChildRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office has announced that yesterday, Chief United States District Court Judge Christina Reiss sentenced Benjamin H. Weisinger, 48, of Lyndonville, Vermont, to 216 months in federal prison for production, receipt and possession of child pornography. Weisinger was convicted of the charges in April after a four-day jury trial. The production of child pornography conviction carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
According to trial testimony and court documents, Weisinger began his sexual abuse of the minor female when she was 9 or 10 years old. The abuse continued for several years and when the minor female was approximately 12 years old, Weisinger had her create sexually explicit videos and had her send him texts of the same conduct. One of these videos was discovered by the minor’s mother in November 2011 and the mother called the police. A later search of Weisinger’s computer and email accounts revealed numerous sexually explicit videos depicting the same minor female.
The case was investigated by the Vermont State Police, specifically, members of the Special Investigations Unit located in Hyde Park and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Department of Homeland Security also assisted in the investigation. The prosecutors on the case were Assistant United States Attorneys Wendy L. Fuller and Paul J. Van de Graaf.
Woodstock, Vermont Restaurant Mon Vert Cafe Takes Steps to Comply with the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announces that the owners of Mon Vert Café and the building in which it is located at 67 Central Street Woodstock, Vermont have agreed to complete specific modifications to come into compliance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Title III of the ADA prohibits a public accommodation from denying an individual or a class of individuals, on the basis of a disability, the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of an entity. Title III requires a public accommodation to remove architectural barriers to access in existing facilities where it is readily achievable to do so. The United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation began following a complaint made to the Vermont Human Rights Commission regarding the accessibility of Mon Vert Café.
An onsite survey of Mon Vert Café performed by United States Department of Justice architects revealed ADA compliance issues related to the restaurant’s entrance and toilet room. Mon Vert Café will remedy the agreed upon ADA compliance issues by November 30, 2013.
Mon Vert Café’s owners and the owner of the building in which Mon Vert Café is located recognized their obligation to address the issues identified in the onsite survey. Laura Miller and Cameron Reed, owners of Mon Vert Café, and John Reed, owner of 67 Central Street, are to be commended for their cooperation with the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont worked in partnership with Tracey Tsugawa of the Vermont Human Rights Commission in addressing and resolving these important civil rights issues. Assistant United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest, with assistance from the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, handled this matter on behalf of the United States and is working with other Vermont businesses to resolve their ADA compliance issues. Further information on the ADA and its requirements may be found at www.ada.gov.
Kimberly Brooks Imprisoned for Embezzlement from Orleans EmployerRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Kimberley Brooks, 48, of Brownington, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 18 months of imprisonment following her guilty plea to charges that she embezzled more than $157,000 from her employer. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered that Brooks serve a three-year term of supervised release after she gets out of prison, and that she pay restitution of about $163,000. The court directed Brooks to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on October 8 to begin serving her sentence.
On October 18, 2012, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a three-count indictment charging Brooks with wire fraud, interstate transportation of stolen money and forging checks of her former employer. According to the indictment, Brooks was employed as a bookkeeper for Desmarais Equipment, Inc., a farm equipment and recreational vehicle distributor in Orleans. The indictment alleges that, between September 2008 and March 2011, Brooks embezzled about $157,000 from the company, primarily by stealing cash from funds being deposited into the bank and altering deposit slips in an attempt to cover up the theft. It also accuses Brooks of causing several company checks to be issued to herself or others without authorization, then depositing the checks into her own personal account. According to court records, the embezzlement was detected in May 2011 and Brooks was promptly fired. Brooks pled guilty to the stolen property charge last April.This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police and the U.S. Secret Service.
Brooks is represented by David Sleigh. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Four Brooklynites Sentenced in Counterfeiting CaperRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that four residents of Brooklyn, New York have recently been sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington following their guilty pleas to counterfeiting charges. Today, U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Lateek Cargo, 27, to timer served in prison, coupled with six months of home confinement. Earlier this month, Daniel Hyacinthe, 24, was also sentenced to time served, coupled with four months of home confinement. Also within the past several weeks, Larry Galbreith, 23 and Malik Delima, 22, were sentenced to 12 months plus one day in prison. The court ordered each defendant to serve a one-year term of supervised release and ordered the defendants together to pay restitution totalling $1000. Delima, who has been incarcerated since his arrest, is finishing his jail sentence. Galbreith was remanded to Marshals custody on the day he was sentenced.
According to court records, on the evening of October 18, 2012, South Burlington Police Officers encountered Hyacinthe, Delima and Cargo at a gas station on Shelburne Road in South Burlington after receiving reports from several businesses in the area that individuals in a car matching the description of the defendant’s vehicle had passed, or attempted to pass, counterfeit $100 bills. After reportedly obtaining consent to search the vehicle, officers found seven counterfeit $100 bills, receipts showing purchases earlier that day at Burlington-area stores that were paid for with $100 bills, and a color printer that had the capability of photocopying documents. The defendants allegedly made the counterfeit $100 bills by bleaching real $5 bills, then making a photo-reproduction of a $100 bill on the $5 bill paper stock.
According to court papers, officers learned that one of the defendants had been staying at a near-by motel. After they obtained a warrant to search the motel room, officers found 13 more counterfeit $100 bills and 28 bleached $5 bills. They also found Larry Galbreith in the motel room.
The defendants are represented to Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels; David Watts; Brooks McArthur; and Robert Behrens. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Conspirators Sentenced to 84 Months and 55 Months for Fraud Conspiracy in the “birth of Innocence” Movie ProjectRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated today that this week the two men convicted of conspiring to commit fraud in connection with the “Birth of Innocence” movie project were sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge Christina Reiss, in Rutland. On August 19, Louis J. Soteriou, 56 of Middlebury, Connecticut, was sentenced to prison for 84 months. On August 21, Malcolm (“Mac”) Parker, 56 of Addison, Vermont, who cooperated with the criminal investigation, was sentenced to prison for 55 months. Both men were allowed to self-report to prison on a date set by the Court.
In papers filed with the Court the United States explained that for the decade ending in 2009, Parker raised more than $28 million from hundreds of people by leading them to believe they were investing in Parker’s production of a movie entitled “Birth of Innocence.” Less than $1 million of that money was spent toward the creation of a movie, which remains unfinished. In contrast, approximately $4 million was sent to Soteriou who spent large sums of money on various luxuries, including more than $100,000 on hotel stays in Telluride, Colorado. Parker supplied Soteriou with this money despite telling investors it would be used toward the movie production. In Court the government estimated that Parker received approximately one-fourth the amount of criminal proceeds received by Soteriou.
The federal criminal investigation was conducted by agents from the Internal Revenue Service, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation. United States Attorney Tristram Coffin also recognized the significant work that was done to discover and stop this fraud in late 2009 by the State of Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (then known as the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities, and Health Care Administration).
Soteriou was represented by Stephen Barth, Esq. Parker was reprsented by John Pacht, Esq.
New York City Man Sentenced to 145 Months in Federal Prison for Heroin and Firearms ConvictionsRead the Press Release
January 1, 2013The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that, on October 17, 2013, Videsh Raghoonanan, a.k.a. ABush,@ 26, of Queens, New York was sentenced to 145 months in federal prison after his guilty plea to charges that he conspired to distribute cocaine base and more than 100 grams of heroin and possessed firearms in furtherance of that drug distribution conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss, sitting in Rutland, also ordered that Raghoonanan serve four years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court records, Raghoonanan sold large quantities of controlled substances, including over one kilogram of heroin, during a drug distribution conspiracy that lasted from at least 2011 until Raghoonanan's arrest in December of 2012. Raghoonanan obtained primarily heroin, and sometimes cocaine base, in New York City and transported it to Vermont for re-sale at a significant profit. On at least two occasions, he obtained handguns from customers in Vermont in exchange for heroin and then transported those firearms back to New York City. Raghoonanan would also carry a handgun while dealing drugs in Vermont.
On the drug conspiracy charge, Raghoonanan was subject to a maximum term of 40 years in prison and up to a $5,000,000 fine. For having possessed firearms in furtherance of the drug distribution conspiracy, he faced a mandatory five-year term of imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, and up to a $250,000 fine. The five-year mandatory minimum sentence must be served in addition to any term of imprisonment imposed for the drug distribution conspiracy.
In determining the sentence, Judge Reiss noted, among other factors, the scale of the conspiracy, Raghoonanan's use of handguns, and the harm that heroin addiction causes the community. She also considered Raghoonanan's immigration status. According to court records, Raghoonanan is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago who was brought to the United States by his parents as a child. He never obtained legal authorization to reside in the United States and committed his crimes while living in the United States without permission. Accordingly, once he has finished serving his federal prison sentence, Raghoonanan faces likely deportation to Trinidad and Tobago.
During the course of this investigation, a number of Raghoonanan's associates and co-conspirators have been convicted of federal offenses. On November 11, 2012, Justin Morrill was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison on a heroin conspiracy charge. On January 15, 2013, Maria Hunton was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison on a heroin conspiracy charge. On January 17, 2013, Ryan Orvis was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison on a cocaine conspiracy charge. On June 3, 2013, Patrick Lepore was sentenced to time-served on a cocaine base conspiracy charge. On October 9, 2013, Eric Jophlin was sentenced to 60 months in prison on a heroin conspiracy charge. Defendants Marc Wells, Barton Gray, and Justin Bosley have all been convicted of controlled substance or firearms charges and are awaiting sentencing before Judge Reiss.This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commended the efforts of these agencies during this lengthy investigation.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Timothy C. Doherty, Jr. Raghoonanan is represented by defense attorney John-Claude Charbonneau.