BOSTON – A Vermont man with two prior federal convictions for drug conspiracy pleaded guilty on Friday, April 8, 2022, to his role in a drug trafficking organization.
Juan Ramos, 45, of Wardsboro, Vt., pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for July 21, 2022.
From 2015 through 2016, Ramos purchased cocaine from a co-conspirator and distributed the drugs in Massachusetts and various customers in Vermont. Ramos also promoted his co-conspirator and introduced this source of supply to another individual. In total, Ramos distributed over 500 grams of cocaine.
Ramos has two prior federal convictions for cocaine distribution conspiracy. In 2002, Ramos was convicted in the District of Vermont and was sentenced to nine years in prison. In 2010, Ramos was convicted in the Southern District of New York and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Pursuant to Ramos’ pleas agreement, he faces a sentence of at least eight years and up to 12 years in prison. The charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to six years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Vermont State Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine Curley, Neil L. Desroches and Steven H. Breslow of Rollins’ Springfield Office are prosecuting the case.