Umar Koon, a 46-year-old resident of The Bronx, New York, has been sentenced to six months in prison by the United States District Court in Burlington. This follows his guilty plea to charges of possessing fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine with intent to distribute. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III also mandated that Koon serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term. Koon is required to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 21, 2025.
The investigation into Koon began in the summer of 2023 when the Northwestern Vermont Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation received information about his alleged drug activities in Chittenden County. Between September and November 2023, investigators conducted seven controlled purchases using a confidential informant. Koon was arrested on November 14 upon returning to Burlington from New York City by bus. Authorities seized a suitcase containing distribution quantities of cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl along with $1500 in cash.
Initially held without bail on state drug charges, Koon was released on December 6, 2023, before being indicted by a federal grand jury on December 7 for multiple counts related to narcotics distribution. He was subsequently arrested at his home in The Bronx on December 12. The State of Vermont dismissed its case in favor of federal prosecution.
Koon's legal representation is provided by Mark Kaplan, Esq., while Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples serves as the prosecutor.