Andre Clarke, Oxycodone Conspiracy, Vermont 2016

A former New York City police officer has pleaded guilty to his role in a multi-state Oxycodone conspiracy that saw pills distributed in Vermont.

Andre Clarke, 37, of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty on May 2, 2016, before the Honorable William K. Sessions, III, to conspiring to distribute Oxycodone in Vermont from 2011 through June 2014.

According to prosecutors, Clarke supplied Oxycodone to Michael Foreste, of Valley Stream, New York, who in turn supplied the pills to Dannis Hackney, of Burlington, Vermont. Hackney sold the pills to addicts in the Burlington area.

Foreste personally brought Hackney pills, and sometimes sent them via U.S. Mail. Clarke, Foreste, and Hackney transferred drug proceeds using various bank accounts.

Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison in the event of conviction on the Oxycodone charge. The money laundering counts also carry a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment.

The investigation has spanned about two years and is a collaborative effort of Homeland Security Investigations; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the New York City Police Internal Affairs Bureau.

Assistant United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan is handling the prosecution. Clarke is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq., of Stowe, Vermont.

Clarke received a preliminary sentencing date of August 29, 2016, and was released on previously imposed conditions until his sentencing.

Foreste and Hackney, who have been in custody since their arrests in June 2014, are awaiting trial. They each face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the Oxycodone charge and the money laundering counts.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/nypd-officer-andre-clarke-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-distribute-oxycodone-vermont