The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that today, Annette Rider, 45, of Rutland, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment on her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. United States District Judge J. Garvan Murtha also ordered Rider to serve three years supervised release after her incarceration ends.
According to court records, Rider conspired with Darlene Palmer, 45, of Rutland, and others to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in Rutland during spring 2011. During that period the Vermont Drug Task Force (VDTF) made several controlled purchases of heroin and crack from Rider and Palmer. On Aug. 1, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging the two with conspiracy and several distribution counts. Rider and Palmer were arrested by the VDTF and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Sept. 20, 2012. Initially released on conditions, Rider has been detained since March 20, 2013, as a result of violating her conditions. Palmer was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and three years supervised release on June 24, 2013.
United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commended the VDTF and DEA for their joint investigation. Burlington attorney Brooks McArthur represented Rider. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
