A Burlington man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in a cocaine conspiracy and money laundering operation. Ramell Holder, 36, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced to 168 months in prison by the Honorable William K. Sessions III on December 16, 2013.
Holder pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and money laundering. As part of his plea agreement, Holder agreed to forfeit to the government approximately $24,000, a 2004 Land Rover, and a parcel of land in Richford, Vermont.
According to court documents, Holder’s involvement in cocaine distribution started in 1998 and escalated in 2004, when he began working with his uncles, Clayton and Edward Sinclair. The Sinclair brothers were later convicted on federal drug conspiracy charges and sentenced to 151 months in prison.
The DEA investigation revealed that Holder trafficked between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine to Vermont between 2007 and 2012. The investigation also uncovered evidence of Holder using violence during a dispute with one of his drug distributors over payment for cocaine.
Holder was initially released on personal recognizance but later detained after allegations surfaced that he committed fraud against the Home Depot while on release. At sentencing, Holder’s Guidelines were 262-327 months. The government asked the Court for a 20-year sentence, but the Court imposed a sentence of 168 months (14 years).
The case was investigated by the DEA, HSI, Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service, the Vermont State Police, Burlington PD, South Burlington PD, Colchester PD, Essex PD, Milton PD, and the DEA Financial Investigations Team. Assistant United States Attorney Wendy L. Fuller prosecuted the case.
Holder’s sentence marks the end of a long and complex investigation into his cocaine distribution operation. The sentence serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in cocaine trafficking and money laundering.
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Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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