Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Terry Dawayne Catchings, also known as "Biggs," was sentenced on April 23 to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to drug distribution charges, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.
Catchings, a 31-year-old from Detroit, Michigan, admitted to distributing cocaine and cocaine base in December 2025 and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute in January 2026. At the time of these offenses, he was already serving a federal term of supervised release for a previous drug conviction. The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address repeat drug offenses and enforce consequences for violations committed while under supervision.
Court records show that Catchings had previously been sentenced by Judge William K. Sessions III in 2024 to an 18-month prison term followed by one year of supervised release related to drug distribution in Vermont. During sentencing, Judge Sessions warned Catchings that further criminal activity would lead to longer periods of incarceration: “it’s only a matter of a short time before you get arrested” and “you find yourself in a prison setting for longer and longer periods of time.” Despite this warning, Catchings was found selling drugs again while still under supervision. He was arrested after returning from New York with over 100 grams of cocaine hidden inside his car ceiling.
Judge Mary Kay Lanthier imposed the new sentence and referenced both the repeated nature of the offense and Judge Sessions’ earlier warning during court proceedings. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt said he commended law enforcement agencies including the Vermont Drug Task Force, FBI, Morristown Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Vermont State Police for their collaborative work on this case.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill; defense counsel was Kevin Henry. The case is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative aiming at combating illegal immigration and eliminating transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont supports community safety through crime reduction efforts according to its official website. The office enforces federal criminal laws and handles civil litigation on behalf of the United States according to its official website. It serves all areas within Vermont according to its official website, fostering partnerships with state, local, federal law enforcement agencies as well as community partners according to its official website. The office operates out of Burlington and Rutland according to its official website.
