Rutland, VT — Ronald Harris, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for his role in a significant drug trafficking conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford handed down the sentence on July 17, 2024, after Harris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and heroin.
In late 2021, the Burlington Police Department Drug Unit began noticing a disturbing trend: heroin and fentanyl mixed with xylazine, also known as “Tranq.” This combination led to unprecedented wounds and severe withdrawal symptoms among users. The emergence of Tranq in Vermont marked a new chapter in the state’s drug crisis, as it had previously been more commonly associated with urban areas like Philadelphia. This alarming discovery prompted an extensive investigation lasting about a year and a half, aimed at identifying those responsible for importing bulk quantities of these dangerous drugs into Chittenden County, Vermont, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The investigation, conducted in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations, culminated in the January 2023 arrest of Ronald Harris. Law enforcement officials seized approximately $98,000 from Harris, over one kilogram of crack cocaine, and more than half a kilogram of heroin from an Essex Junction apartment linked to the drug trafficking organization.
Harris was identified as a trusted member of the organization, frequently transporting drugs and money between Philadelphia and Vermont from October 2021 to January 2023. Multiple other members of the organization have also been arrested, and prosecutions are ongoing.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest praised the collaborative efforts of all involved agencies, which were instrumental in the lengthy investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles, with Harris represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.