Two Philadelphia Men and Four Vermonters Charged With Conspiring to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment yesterday charging six defendants with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including Michael Leslie, aka “Bear,” age 40, of Philadelphia, PA; Marvin Tyrone Crawford, aka “Ty,” age 40, of Philadelphia, PA; Pamela Yandow, aka “Pam,” age 45 of St. Albans, VT; Tannar Yandow, age 20, of St. Albans, VT; Donna Larose, age 56, of St. Albans, VT; and Larnell Cunningham, age 39, of New York, NY.

According to Court documents, the United States alleges that during the conspiracy, Leslie, Crawford, Pamela Yandow, Tannar Yandow, and Larose distributed controlled substances in Franklin County, Vermont. Leslie and Crawford would obtain cocaine and heroin from outside Vermont, and transport the drugs into Vermont by automobile with the assistance of coconspirators. The group used Facebook’s Messenger application to communicate with customers to arrange transactions, and communicate with each other about their drug activities.

Court documents outline the history of the case. On February 9, 2017, Larose was arrested by New York State Police in Fort Ann, NY for criminal possession of a controlled substance. New York State Police encountered Larose during a traffic stop. A search of her vehicle after impoundment resulted in the seizure of approximately 250 grams of suspected powder cocaine, and miscellaneous paperwork bearing the name of Leslie.

On May 23, 2017, a St. Albans Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop of a Chevrolet Impala operated by Cunningham. After obtaining a warrant, the officer searched the vehicle and discovered approximately 130 grams of suspected cocaine base in a Tang drink mix container that had a hidden compartment. Officers also seized a small digital scale, numerous small clear plastic baggies, four cellular telephones, and documents bearing Leslie’s name. Prior to and after May 23, 2017, law enforcement observed Leslie operating the Impala. On May 23, 2017, Cunningham was charged by Criminal Complaint. Cunningham appeared before United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy on May 25, 2017, and was subsequently detained pending trial.

On May 24, 2017, an individual assisting law enforcement conducted a purchase of suspected cocaine base from Crawford. During this encounter, Crawford discussed the seizure of cocaine base from Cunningham, and stated “he was supposed to be coming to see me.”

On July 17, 2017, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives obtained a search warrant for 49 Troy Street, Apartment #1, in Richford, VT. While executing the search warrant, agents encountered Leslie and Crawford at the residence, and both were placed under arrest. Leslie was found in possession of $8,378 of U.S. currency. Agents also seized drug paraphernalia from the residence, including a small digital scale, small empty wax bags, and kitchen utensils believed to contain trace amounts of controlled substances. Agents also located Yandow on July 18, 2017, and placed her under arrest.

On July 18, 2017, Leslie, Crawford, and Pamela Yandow appeared before United States District Court Judge William K. Sessions, and were ordered detained pending detention hearings. Tannar Yandow was also arrested on July 18, 2017, and charged by Criminal Complaint on July 19, 2017. Tannar Yandow appeared before United States District Judge Christina Reiss, and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. If Leslie, Crawford, or Pamela Yandow are convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, and a maximum possible term of imprisonment of life. If Tannar Yandow, Larose, or Cunningham are convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, and a maximum possible term of imprisonment of forty years.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Leslie is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq. Crawford is represented by Marianne Kampmann, Esq. Pamela Yandow is represented by Michael Straub, Esq. Tannar Yandow is represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq. Cunningham is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender David McColgin, Esq. Larose has not yet appeared in court. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the St. Albans Police Department.