James Felix, et al., Drug Conspiracy and Shooting, Vermont 2020
Orlando Residents Charged in Drug Conspiracy and Shooting of Benzel Hampton in Burlington's Old North End
BURLINGTON, VT - On September 15, 2020, a federal grand jury indicted four Orlando residents for their involvement in a drug conspiracy and the shooting of Benzel Hampton in Burlington's Old North End.
Defendants Charged
- James Felix, a.k.a. 'Mike,' 37, of Orlando, Florida
- Johnny Ford, a.k.a. 'Sonny,' 33, of Orlando, Florida
- Brandon Sanders, a.k.a. 'Baby Boy,' 19, of Orlando, Florida
- Lesine Woodson, a.k.a. 'Coco' and 'Lexi,' 33, of Orlando, Florida
Criminal Charges
The Third Superseding Indictment charges all four defendants with:
- Conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base
- Conspiracy to commit a firearm offense
- Felix and Ford are additionally charged with being felons in possession of a firearm and using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a controlled substance offense
Felony Shooting
On April 16, 2019, in Burlington's Old North End, Benzel Hampton was shot and killed. The indictment alleges that Lesine Woodson brought James Felix and Johnny Ford to Vermont to confront Hampton after a dispute over a text message. A gun battle ensued, and Hampton was shot at least six times with two separate firearms. Felix and Ford are accused of discharging the firearms.
Arrests and Charges
On April 16, 2019, Felix and Woodson were arrested in Burlington, while Ford and Sanders were arrested in Enfield, Connecticut. Police discovered approximately $17,000 and over 100 grams of cocaine base in their motel room.
Possible Sentences
According to the indictment, Felix and Ford face up to life imprisonment and an overall mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years if convicted. Woodson and Sanders face up to 40 years of imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of 5 years if convicted.
Project Guardian
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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