Colchester Man Sentenced to Life for Gun, Drug, and Robbery Crimes

Colchester Man Sentenced to Life for Gun, Drug, and Robbery Crimes

A Colchester man has been found guilty of multiple crimes, including drug, gun, and robbery offenses. Dominique Troupe, 37, was convicted following a six-day jury trial in United States District Court in Rutland. Troupe remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending post-trial proceedings.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Troupe was a source of cocaine base (also known as “crack cocaine”) to residents of Swanton, Vermont, with whom he conspired to distribute the drug. He maintained a consistent crack cocaine distribution operation in the Swanton area until a rival distributor moved in, resulting in a significant diminution in Troupe’s sales.

To address this problem, two of Troupe’s Swanton-based re-distributors came up with the idea to rob the rival drug dealer of his drugs and money. When Troupe learned of this idea, he turned it into reality. Trial evidence showed that during the early morning of February 2, 2022, Troupe employed one of his Swanton-based distributors, as well as another of Troupe’s associates, to attempt the armed robbery at 45 First Street in Swanton. Troupe supplied a firearm to one of the robbers to use during the crime.

Tragically, during the attempted armed robbery, Elijah Oliver, 22, of Massachusetts was shot twice and killed. Based on the jury’s verdict, Troupe faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment and a potential maximum sentence of life. The ultimate sentence will be determined by reference to the Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigative efforts of the Major Crime Unit, the Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Crime Scene Search Team, and the Technology Investigation Unit of the Vermont State Police. He stated: “This case is another tragic example of the intersection of guns and drug distribution in Vermont. We are grateful to the men and women of the Vermont State Police for their response to and investigation of the tragic events in Swanton in February 2022. The jury’s verdict will hold Dominique Troupe responsible for the role he played in those events.”

Troupe was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Michael Drescher prosecuted the case. The case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and drug trafficking in our communities. Our thoughts are with the family of Elijah Oliver, who lost their life in this senseless act of violence.