Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Keahnard Rowell, also known as “Stacks,” a 35-year-old from New York City, was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. The sentencing took place on November 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier in Burlington, Vermont.
Rowell had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl in Bennington, Vermont during 2022. Court documents reveal that between mid-February and July of that year, Rowell acted as a high-ranking member of a violent drug-trafficking organization led by William McLaughlin. While McLaughlin was responsible for much of the violence associated with the group, Rowell was aware of these actions.
Records show that after McLaughlin violently assaulted a woman over a drug dispute, Rowell offered her protection by taking her to New York. However, once there, he took her phone and identification so she felt unable to leave his residence. In Bennington, Rowell managed drug trafficking sites and sold drugs for the organization. He also traveled between New York and Vermont to obtain additional drugs for distribution.
First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the joint efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bennington Police Department, the Rutland City Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this case.
The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Smith, Jonathan Ophardt and Paul Van de Graaf. Jason Sawyer represented Rowell.
