Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Jodi Palmer, a 48-year-old resident of Monkton, Vermont, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on March 16 after being charged with distribution of cocaine base. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont said Palmer was charged by criminal complaint on September 11, 2024, and is currently detained in the Vermont Department of Corrections. She appeared in federal court pursuant to a writ of habeas corpus, and a detention hearing is scheduled for March 19.
According to court records, Palmer allegedly distributed about four grams of crack cocaine to an informant during an operation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations on July 26, 2024.
The United States Attorney’s Office stated that the complaint contains only allegations and that Palmer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison. The actual sentence would be determined by the District Court based on advisory sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended Homeland Security Investigations for their work on the case.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Craig S. Nolan is prosecuting the case. Palmer is represented by Federal Public Defender Alejandro Fernandez.
