A New York man has been sentenced in Vermont for his involvement in drug-related offenses. Owin Thomas, originally from New York City, received a 70-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing took place on April 17, 2025, with United States District Judge William K. Sessions III presiding over the case.
Thomas pled guilty to possessing cocaine base and fentanyl, with the intent to distribute. His arrest dates back to August 28, 2022, when he was detained at a motel in Bennington, Vermont. Authorities discovered 27.74 grams of cocaine base and 8.82 grams of fentanyl during a search of his motel room. Additional evidence included a backpack linked to Thomas that contained materials related to drug distribution, such as empty wax paper envelopes, a digital scale, and a knife.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Bennington Police Department conducted the investigation. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised their combined efforts. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas J. Aliberti and Jason Turner, while Steven Barth represented Thomas.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. This operation utilizes resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.