DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
District of Vermont

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Christina E. Nolan
, United States Attorney

Duxbury Man Charged Under Federal Crack House Statute With Allowing Drug Dealing at His Residence

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Mark Russell (a.k.a. "Snake"), 60, of Duxbury, Vermont, has been charged, by indictment, with violating the federal "Crack House Statute," which prohibits making available a place, such as a residence, for manufacturing, storing, distributing, or using any controlled substance (the statute is not limited to crack cocaine). The indictment alleges that Russell, who lives on Route 100 in Duxbury, made his residence available for the purpose of selling, manufacturing, storing, and using controlled substances.

This statute imposes a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release to begin after any term of imprisonment is served. The indictment is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the actual sentence will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Upon the government’s motion for detention, on April 30, 2018, Magistrate Judge John Conroy ordered that Russell be detained pending trial, or at least until such time that the Federal Public Defender’s Office submitted an acceptable release plan, which could include drug rehabilitation.

This case is being investigated by the Vermont State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Perella. Russell is represented by Michael Desautels, Esq., of the Federal Public Defenders Office.

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Boston Field Division