Brooklyn Man Charged with Drug Trafficking

Burlington, Vermont - The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on May 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Christopher Williams, 42, of Brooklyn, New York, with distributing cocaine base on March 26, 2024, and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine base on April 23, 2024.

Williams' arraignment will occur this afternoon at 3 p.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Williams is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Williams faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Williams is represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq.