New York Man Charged with Narcotics Offense

Burlington, Vermont - The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on April 16, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Errol Richards, 42, originally from Bronx, New York, with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Richards entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on April 22, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Richards be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, the Defendant possessed approximately 47.2 grams of cocaine on September 11, 2026. Law enforcement found the cocaine as they arrested Richards on an outstanding state warrant.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Richards is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Richards 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 investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Burlington Police Department.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Richards is represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq.