South Burlington Man Charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Quenton Dodson, 33, of South Burlington, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint in federal court with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.  

Court records show that Dodson has been the subject of an ongoing investigation conducted by the Burlington Police Department.  When he was arrested on Friday within his Farrell Street apartment in South Burlington, police found more than $10,000 in cash, some of which was used to purchase methamphetamine from a person working with police.  Police also found additional quantities of suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and other paraphernalia.  Police also found a loaded 40 caliber handgun.  Dodson was initially charged with state offenses, and at his arraignment in Chittenden Superior Court on Tuesday, Dodson was ordered released on conditions.  

Federal charges were filed against Dodson on Tuesday, and he had his initial appearance in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle this afternoon.  Judge Doyle granted the United States’ motion asking that Dodson be detained, and ordered that Dodson remain in the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service.  The next hearing in this case is scheduled for January 31, 2022.  

“For Burlington, this was a significant narcotics seizure,” said acting Burlington Chief of Police Jon Murad. “Detectives from the Burlington Police Department and federal partners did excellent work building this case and making this arrest. When the court decided to release Mr. Dodson on conditions, we were gratified that our partners at the DEA, ATF, and U.S. Attorney’s office were able to step in with federal charges.”

The complaint is an accusation only and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  If convicted of the offense charged in the complaint, Dodson would face a maximum possible prison sentence of 20 years.

The Burlington Police Department was assisted by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.  

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the collaboration with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

Dodson is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.  The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michael Drescher.