Rockylane Lewis, Cocaine Distribution, Vermont 2023

A Philadelphia man has been arrested and charged with the distribution of cocaine base in Rutland, Vermont.

Rockylane Lewis, 33, aka ‘Rizzo,’ was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Rutland, Vermont, and appeared in court today for his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

Lewis was ordered detained pending trial. According to court records, law enforcement has been investigating Lewis’ drug trafficking activities in Rutland County since December 2022.

In late March of 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine base from Lewis. On June 21, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant in Rutland, during which Lewis was encountered and arrested.

During the search of the apartment in which Lewis was located, law enforcement seized a black 9mm Ruger SR9c handgun, over 55 grams of bulk fentanyl, and a gram of cocaine base.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Lewis remains presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted of a crime.

Lewis faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Rutland City Police Department.

HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael Krol stated, ‘We at Homeland Security Investigations prioritize public safety above all else and work closely with our federal, state and local partners to achieve that goal.’

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

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