Tyquan Washington, also known as “Bones,” 36, of Brooklyn, New York, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 25 for distributing 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine in Vermont, according to an Aug. 5 announcement from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.
Washington was arrested in New Jersey on June 11 under a warrant connected to a criminal complaint filed in 2024 that charged him with the same offense. He appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge in New Jersey, where he was detained and ordered transported to Vermont. Upon arrival, Washington was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on August 3.
Court records indicate that agents with Homeland Security Investigations conducted a controlled purchase from Washington on February 22, 2024, obtaining more than 29 grams of cocaine base and powder cocaine in Burlington. Additional evidence collected by the government alleges that Washington led a drug trafficking organization operating in Vermont since at least 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that an indictment contains only allegations and emphasized that Washington is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and up to forty years; sentencing would be determined by the District Court following advisory guidelines and statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended Homeland Security Investigations for their work on this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra; William E. Kraham represents Washington.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont enforces federal criminal laws, supports community safety initiatives, fosters partnerships with law enforcement agencies across state and local levels, maintains offices in Burlington and Rutland, serves all of Vermont within federal law enforcement administration, and works to protect victims’ rights through crime reduction efforts, according to the official website.