Man Charged with Attempting to Rob City Market in Burlington, Vermont

BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Shawn Foster, 44, of Burlington, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with interference with interstate commerce by attempted robbery.

On September 1, 2026, Foster had his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered Foster detained during the pendency of the case.

According to court records, on August 10, 2026, Foster entered the City Market in Burlington, Vermont, and attempted to exit the store with a cart full of merchandise without paying. When confronted by a store employee outside the store, Foster brandished a knife and threatened to cut and kill the employee before fleeing. Foster was identified based on store security footage, and he was later encountered and arrested by Burlington Police Department officers who found a knife on his person.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Foster is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Foster faces up to 20 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.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the swift work of the Burlington Police Department in apprehending Foster, and thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their assistance.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney David Golubock. Foster is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.