Maurice Nelson, 38, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11 for interfering with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, according to the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont on July 30. Nelson pleaded not guilty at his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge James P. O’Hara and remains detained pending trial.
Court records state that on April 3, Nelson entered a convenience store in Williston, Vermont, pointed a handgun at the clerk and threatened to “blow [the clerk’s] head off.” He allegedly left with about $369 in cash along with cigarettes, lighters, and coins. After fleeing the scene, Nelson reportedly stole a vehicle from the parking lot. Law enforcement located this vehicle approximately 90 minutes later in Burlington and apprehended Nelson nearby. Authorities said his clothing matched that worn by the robber and found cigarette packs bearing matching lot numbers in the recovered vehicle. The following day, Burlington Fire Department personnel discovered a handgun near where Nelson was arrested.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an indictment contains only allegations and that Nelson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted on all charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment up to life; sentencing would be determined by the District Court under advisory guidelines.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended efforts from multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Williston Police Department; Burlington Police Department; and Vermont State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Jason Turner is prosecuting the case, while Nelson is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont supports community safety through crime reduction efforts and partnerships with law enforcement agencies at all levels as well as community partners to enhance public safety across Vermont; it enforces federal criminal laws and handles civil litigation for the United States from offices in Burlington and Rutland, according to its official website.