Michigan Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 28, 2026, Deandre Watson, 35, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 60 months' imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Watson previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.

According to court records, on October 9, 2025, the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at a residence on Sherman Street in Burlington, Vermont. During the execution of the warrant, officers located Watson standing alone in the bathtub, behind the shower curtain, fully clothed and holding multiple large chunks of cocaine base (also known as crack) in his hands. Additional chunks of cocaine base were found in the bottom of the bathtub, along with a red dinner plate and razor blade. In the dining room of the Sherman Street residence, law enforcement located an additional 38 grams of cocaine base, a quantity of which was individually packaged for sale. In close proximity to this cocaine base were a digital scale, plastic baggies, scissors, and a cellular phone, the contents of which revealed the phone belonged to Watson. In total, approximately 138 grams of cocaine base were found in the residence. A cellphone found on Watson's person revealed evidence of drug sales dating back to September 1, 2025. Watson's criminal history in Michigan includes multiple prior felony drug trafficking convictions and a felony firearm conviction.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Burlington Police Department. "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 case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra. Watson was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Charles N. Curlett, Jr.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.