June 2, 2009

ESSEX, VT MAN SENTENCED FOR COCAINE CONSPIRACY

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Michael L Riley, 40, of Essex, Vermont, was sentenced on May 27, 2009 before United States District Court Judge J. Garvan Murtha, for conspiring to distribute cocaine. Riley was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Court records showed that on February 13, 2009 Michael Riley pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine. As a part of his plea agreement, Riley was also required to forfeit his real property in Essex and $37,580 in U.S. currency. Court records and discussion in Court have showed that the investigation resulted in a total seizure of over five kilograms of cocaine, over $80,000 in currency, two residences and a boat.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Gelber and Michael Riley is represented by South Burlington attorney Edward M. Kenney.