Three Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine in Chittenden County

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Shane Casey, 50, Kimberly Jones, 41, and Hamza Sharifshoble, 25, all of Chittenden County, VT, were indicted today by the federal grand jury on charges of distributing methamphetamine in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum possible penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000 on each count.

According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Drug Task Force led an investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in the Chittenden County, Vermont area. The investigation included multiple purchases of methamphetamine from Casey, Jones, and Sharifshoble from April 2019 through October 2019.

On October 17, 2019, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Drug Task Force arrested Sharifshoble for distribution of methamphetamine and also executed a federal search warrant on his apartment in South Burlington, Vermont. In the apartment, law enforcement found various paraphernalia consistent with illegal narcotics trafficking in addition to methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine base.

Sharifshoble had his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy in Burlington on October 18, 2019 on a single count of methamphetamine distribution. Sharifshoble was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. In today’s indictment, Sharifshoble faces four counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of aiding and abetting distribution of methamphetamine.

Shane Casey, who is in custody in Massachusetts on state charges, faces five counts of distribution of methamphetamine in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Kimberly Jones, who is also in custody in Massachusetts on state charges, faces one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
 
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the collaborative investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Drug Task Force.

The charges against Casey, Jones, and Sharifshoble are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. Any sentences in this case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Sharishoble is represented by Elizabeth Quinn, Esq. Counsel for Casey and Jones have not been identified at this time.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest represents the United States.