January 22, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS MAN SENTENCED FOR DISTRIBUTING CRACK COCAINE IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jorge Soto, a.k.a. "Joker," 28, of Springfield, MA, was recently sentenced in United States District Court to 90 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. After completing his sentence, Soto will be on federal supervised release for four years.

According to Court records, in May 2004, the Vermont State Police Northwest Vermont Drug Task Force ("NVDTF") began an investigation into a crack cocaine distribution ring operating in the Franklin County area of Vermont. The ringleader of the organization was identified as Soto, who used the street name "Joker." Before his arrest in August 2004 for assault, Soto was distributing ounces of crack cocaine on a weekly basis. After coming to Vermont, Soto quickly recruited local crack users and dealers to sell crack for him. One of these individuals was Shawn Gagnon. As part of its investigation, the NVDTF made several undercover purchases of crack cocaine from Gagnon. As part of his guilty plea, Gagnon admitted selling between 35 and 50 grams of crack cocaine in the St. Albans area. This cocaine was suppled to Gagnon by Soto.

Gagnon was sentenced last October to 30 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by U.S. Attorney Thomas D. Anderson.

Soto is represented by David Kidney, Esq.