October 30, 2007

SOUTH BURLINGTON MAN ARRAIGNED ON DRUG CHARGES

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Mark P. Tittemore, 41, of South Burlington, Vermont pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court to an indictment charging him with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine between 2004 and 2006 and, also, attempting to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute it on April 6, 2006.

The indictment first charges that, between an unknown date in 2004 and April of 2006, Tittemore knowingly and willfully conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The second charge arises from Tittemore’s attempt, on April 6, 2006, to obtain cocaine for subsequent distribution in the Burlington, Vermont area. Tittemore, who has prior convictions for felony drug offenses in 1987 and 1992, is facing up to life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, and a fine of not more than $2,000,000. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

Thomas D. Anderson, the United States Attorney, commended the joint efforts of the State of Vermont’s Southern Drug Task Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The defendant is represented by Mark Kaplan. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney, Nancy J. Creswell.