RUTLAND, VT – A federal grand jury has indicted three individuals in a disturbing drug conspiracy that allegedly involved the exploitation of minors. Rockylane Lewis, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Aisha Davy, 36, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Holly Howard, 49, of Brattleboro, Vermont, are facing serious charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base. The case exposes a ruthless operation allegedly prioritizing profit over the well-being of children.
The indictment, returned October 18, 2023, details a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base. Lewis and Davy are specifically accused of conspiring to employ and use persons under eighteen years of age in their drug trafficking activities, adding a particularly heinous element to the charges. They also face charges of conspiracy to use and possess firearms during and in relation to the drug crimes. Lewis faces a barrage of additional charges, including three counts of distributing controlled substances, five counts of employing juveniles in drug distribution, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm while a fugitive from justice. The indictment references three separate juveniles allegedly involved in the Vermont distribution network.
Law enforcement moved against the operation on June 21, 2023, executing a search warrant in Rutland, Vermont. During the raid, authorities apprehended Rockylane Lewis and seized a black 9mm Ruger SR9c handgun, over 55 grams of fentanyl, and a gram of cocaine base. Lewis was initially arraigned on three distribution counts July 6, 2023, and remains detained pending trial. He’s scheduled for a video conference arraignment today on the additional charges before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Howard is accused of allowing her room at the Rodeway Inn on Woodstock Avenue in Rutland to serve as a distribution point.
Aisha Davy was arrested October 24, 2023, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and arraigned November 1, 2023, before Magistrate Judge Doyle. She was released under conditions pending trial. Holly Howard was arrested November 2, 2023, in Brattleboro, Vermont, and arraigned November 3, 2023, before Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford, also being released under conditions pending trial. While released, the accused remain under federal scrutiny.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest emphasized the gravity of the situation, commending the coordinated efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Rutland City Police Department. He also acknowledged the crucial assistance of the Vermont State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Ludlow Police Department, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, the Rutland Office of Vermont Probation and Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “Exploiting children to facilitate drug trafficking is abhorrent,” Kerest stated, signaling the seriousness with which his office is approaching the case.
If convicted, Lewis and Davy each face a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment. Howard faces a maximum of 20 years. However, the actual sentences will be determined by the court based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Jonathan Ophardt are prosecuting the case. Lewis is represented by Jordana Levine, Esq., Davy by Natasha Sen, Esq.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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