U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest | U.S. Department of Justice
Javon Calderon, a 21-year-old from Holyoke, Massachusetts, has been sentenced to 85 months in prison followed by an eight-year supervised release for his involvement in armed drug trafficking. The sentencing was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont and delivered by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss on December 23, 2024. Calderon had pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, as well as using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Court documents reveal that Calderon and co-defendant Christopher Morgan were active in Bennington, Vermont, in 2022, distributing fentanyl and cocaine. They operated with the assistance of local residents Shavonne Doucette and Kyle Winnie, who occasionally sold drugs on their behalf. An incident in September 2022 involved Calderon and Morgan assaulting a local distributor over a drug debt at the Doucette/Winnie residence. This assault was partially recorded on video showing Calderon striking the victim and threatening them with a firearm. Morgan also appeared in the video pointing a firearm at the victim.
Morgan has similarly pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to drug distribution and firearm use during trafficking crimes. His sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2025. Doucette and Winnie have admitted guilt to allowing their residence to be used for drug distribution. Their sentencings are set for January 21, 2025, and February 18, 2025, respectively.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest praised the joint efforts of various law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Vermont State Police, Bennington Police Department, Bennington County Sheriff’s Department, Rutland City Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne Smith prosecuted the case. Legal representation included Devin McKnight for Calderon; Peter Langrock for Morgan; Brooks McArthur for Doucette; and Jordana Levine for Winnie.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through community collaboration with law enforcement. For more details about PSN's initiatives focused on violence prevention and strategic enforcement priorities visit Justice.gov/PSN.
