BRATTLEBORO, VT – Phillip Wilson, a 36-year-old originally from the Bronx, New York, admitted today to running heroin through Chittenden County, Vermont. Wilson pled guilty in federal court to charges stemming from a months-long investigation that uncovered a significant drug and firearms operation. The bust is part of the U.S. Attorney’s ongoing effort to choke off the heroin supply in the state.
According to court documents, Wilson, also known as “Cody” and “Moscow,” began distributing heroin in February 2016. The Vermont Drug Task Force quickly zeroed in on him, completing five separate controlled buys over the following months. This wasn’t a small-time operation; the investigation culminated in raids on two properties associated with Wilson on July 6, 2016. Agents seized a staggering 160 bags of heroin, along with the tools of the trade – distribution paraphernalia – and a hefty stash of U.S. currency. Three firearms were also recovered, directly linking Wilson to the illegal drug trade.
Wilson is currently detained and appeared before Judge J. Garvan Murtha to formally enter his guilty plea. He admitted to distributing heroin on or around February 23, 2016, possessing heroin with intent to distribute on or about July 6, 2016, and illegally possessing firearms in connection with his drug trafficking activities. This isn’t Wilson’s first rodeo with the law. Court records show he has two prior convictions in state court for drug distribution, suggesting a pattern of criminal behavior.
Under the terms of a proposed plea agreement, Wilson is looking at a seven-year federal prison sentence if Judge Murtha accepts the deal at a sentencing hearing scheduled for May 10, 2017. While the agreement offers a degree of certainty, the judge isn’t bound by it and could impose a harsher penalty. The case highlights the continued influx of drugs from outside Vermont and the dangers associated with the heroin trade.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, bringing together the Vermont Drug Task Force, Vermont State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and South Burlington Police Department. U.S. Attorney Miller praised the combined forces for their dedication to the Vermont Heroin Initiative, a multi-agency program designed to dismantle heroin distribution networks throughout the state. The initiative underscores the seriousness with which federal and state authorities are tackling the opioid crisis.
Assistant United States Attorney Kunal Pasricha is prosecuting the case. Wilson is being represented by attorney Mark Oettinger. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing proceedings in Brattleboro. This conviction sends a clear message: bringing hard drugs and firearms into Vermont will be met with swift and decisive action.
Related Federal Cases
- Bronx Dealer Gets 15 Years for Barre Shootout & Drug Run · New York
- New York Dealer Johnathan Goodwin Sentenced to 21 Months for Heroin Trafficking · New York
- NY Man ‘Javi’ Accused of Flooding Vermont with Heroin · New York
- Vermont Man Sentenced for Heroin and Crack Cocaine Distribution · New York
- Brooklyn Man Gets 37 Months for Vermont Heroin & Coke Run · New York
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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