Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Deandre Watson, a 35-year-old resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was sentenced on April 28 to five years in prison and four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base in Burlington, Vermont.
The case underscores ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address drug trafficking and its effects on local communities. The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont enforces federal criminal laws and handles civil litigation on behalf of the United States, according to the official website.
Court records show that law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Sherman Street residence in Burlington on October 9, 2025. Officers found Watson hiding fully clothed in a bathtub with several large chunks of crack cocaine. Additional drugs were discovered throughout the residence along with paraphernalia including digital scales and packaging materials. In total, approximately 138 grams of cocaine base were seized. Evidence from Watson's cellphone indicated involvement in drug sales dating back several weeks. He also has multiple prior felony convictions related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses in Michigan.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt said: “For-profit drug trafficking brings people from great distances to Vermont, with the sole purpose of distributing poison in our communities. Drug trafficking causes substantial harm to our communities, destroying families by feeding addiction and causing collateral crime that impacts their neighbors, friends, and families. Those willing to engage in serious crime for quick profits should face stiff, incarcerative sentences. I am extremely grateful for the excellent investigation done by our law enforcement partners.”
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont supports community safety and civil rights through efforts aimed at reducing crime and protecting victims according to the official website. The office fosters partnerships with state, local, and federal agencies as well as community organizations according to its website. It maintains offices both in Burlington and Rutland as reported by its official site.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice targeting illegal immigration as well as transnational criminal organizations involved in violent crime.
