The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont has announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Dontayveus Thomas, aged 32, from Brooklyn, New York. He faces charges of conspiracy for the manufacture and distribution of cocaine base and fentanyl, and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl.
Thomas was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein and is currently in custody awaiting further judicial proceedings.
As described in court records, a fire alarm incident on February 25, 2023, prompted the Winooski Fire Department to discover signs of narcotics manufacturing at a Winooski residence. This led law enforcement to search the premises, uncovering evidence of drug manufacturing along with approximately 398.3 grams of cocaine, 179.4 grams of cocaine base, and over 130.382 grams of fentanyl. The investigation linked Thomas to these activities.
The charges in the indictment are yet to be proven, and Thomas remains presumed innocent until any conviction. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 40 years and a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison. The final sentence will be determined by the District Court, taking into account the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher has praised the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winooski Police Department in the investigation.
The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker, while Thomas's legal representation is handled by Natasha Sen, Esq.