Drug Ring Busted, 27 Charged in Rutland, Vermont 2020
In a major blow to drug trafficking in Rutland, Vermont, 27 individuals have been charged in a multi-agency operation. The joint effort between federal, state, local, and county officers and prosecutors resulted in the arrest of the suspects, searches of four residences, and the seizure of firearms, narcotics, and cash.
Those charged in federal court include: Wilnelia Martinez-Machuca, 42, of Springfield, Massachusetts, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Joel Cruz, 27, of Union City, New Jersey, for possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; Shaqueille Jones, 25, of Jersey City, New Jersey, for possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; David Hodges, 42, of Rutland, Vermont, for possession of a firearm after having been previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and distribution of cocaine; Maynard Davis, 43, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine base; Rodney Carroll, 40, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for distribution of cocaine base; Tyberius Mitchell, 30, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine base; Cheryl Barber, 34, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of heroin; Todd Popovitch, 38, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of fentanyl, possession of a firearm as an unlawful user of controlled substances, and making false statements in connection with the attempted acquisition of a firearm from a licensed dealer; Raymond Phillips, 55, of Fair Haven, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine base; Travis Norris, 31, of Shoreham, Vermont, for making false statements in connection with the attempted acquisition of a firearm from a licensed dealer; Edward Everett, 54, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine base and maintaining a drug-involved premises; John Harrell, 48, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine base; Quadeim Mack, 19, of Brooklyn, New York, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and cocaine; Steven Ciccone, 35, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine base; Naquan Brown, 30, of Brooklyn, New York, for possession of a firearm after having previously convicted of a felony, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Richard Keefe, 56, of Rutland, Vermont, for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base; Noah Penn, 27, of New York City, New York, for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base; Mark Badie, 33, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine base; and Thomas DePalo, 60, of Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine base.
The operation, which targeted drug trafficking in Rutland and the surrounding area, resulted in the seizure of 14 firearms, approximately 148 grams of fentanyl and heroin, approximately 260 grams of cocaine base, approximately 50 grams of cocaine, and $35,560 of suspected drug proceeds. The investigation was a joint effort between Vermont law enforcement at all levels.
Those arrested on state warrants and violations include: Antonio Sousa, 25, of Rutland, Vermont, for false information to a law enforcement officer and fugitive from justice; Mark Archer, 60, from Rutland, Vermont, for possession of cocaine; Darleen Palmer, 52, from Rutland, Vermont, for possession of heroin; Greg Shaw, 36, from Rutland, Vermont, for escape from custody; Roger Kittredge, 51, from Rutland, Vermont, for distribution of cocaine; Stacy Jones, 38, from Rutland, Vermont, for criminal driving while license suspended; and Nickoletta Hathaway, 19, of Rutland, VT, for failure to appear.
The charges against the defendants are only allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
February 7, 2020, marked a significant day in the fight against drug trafficking in Rutland, Vermont, as 27 individuals were charged in a multi-agency operation.
The operation was a joint effort between federal, state, local, and county officers and prosecutors, resulting in the arrest of the suspects, searches of four residences, and the seizure of firearms, narcotics, and cash.
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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