3 People Indicted On Charges In Violent Bennington Drug Trafficking Network

Saturday, September 14, 2024, 7:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BURLINGTON, VT.- On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest reported on August 28, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury for the District of Vermont charging William McLaughlin, 45, of Bennington, Vermont, Samantha Danforth, 35, of Bennington, Vermont, and Keahnard Rowell, also known as “Stacks,” 34, of New York, New York, with conspiring to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Fentanyl throughout the Bennington, Vermont area.

     The grand jury also charged McLaughlin with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Rowell Arraigned

     On Monday, September 9, 2024, Rowell appeared in U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont and entered a plea of not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Rowell remain detained pending trial on the charges. McLaughlin’s and Danforth’s arraignment will be scheduled on a date determined by the court.

     According to information unsealed in the indictment, Rowell was a top lieutenant in a violent narcotics organization run by McLaughlin throughout the Bennington, Vermont, area from around February through July 2022. Danforth managed most of the day-to-day operations alongside McLaughlin.

     The organization included Bennington residents who would allow their homes to be used as “stash houses” or distribution locations and others who executed narcotics sales on behalf of McLaughlin.

Violence In Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking

     Rowell participated in or was present for multiple violent events perpetrated by McLaughlin, including a severe beating of a woman believed to have drawn attention to a stash house and a stabbing of a man who owed money to McLaughlin.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”