Brooklyn Man Charged with Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Cocaine Base and Fentanyl

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on April 3, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Dontayveus Thomas, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, with conspiracy to manufacture and to distribute cocaine base and to distribute fentanyl, as well as possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl.

Thomas’s arraignment occurred earlier today before United States Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein. He is currently being held pending further proceedings in this matter.

According to court records, on February 25, 2023, members of the Winooski Fire Department responded to a fire alarm and found evidence of narcotics manufacturing in a Winooski apartment. The firefighters called law enforcement, who obtained a warrant to search the residence. Pursuant to the search warrant, police found evidence of narcotics manufacturing in the apartment. They also found approximately 398.3 grams of cocaine, approximately 179.4 grams of cocaine base, and over 130.382 grams of fentanyl. Additional investigation confirmed that Thomas was involved in the manufacturing of cocaine base and the possession of the drugs found in the apartment.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Thomas is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Thomas faces up to a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum of 5 years of imprisonment, if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winooski Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Thomas is represented by Natasha Sen, Esq.