BURLINGTON, Vermont – A 69-year-old man from Burlington, Vermont, named Kenneth Jackson, has been sentenced to serve 48 months in prison after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl and possessing cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. The sentencing took place in the United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, under the supervision of U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III. In addition to the prison term, Jackson has been ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release and pay a $200 special assessment.

According to court records, Jackson was involved in drug sales from his car at City Hall Park in Burlington between October and November 2022. A confidential informant (CI) made multiple purchases of cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl from Jackson during this period. Law enforcement apprehended Jackson on November 10, 2022. During the arrest, law enforcement found approximately $1,950 on Jackson’s person. A subsequent search of his car revealed around $5,500 in cash, packaged fentanyl for sale, cocaine base, and cocaine. Further searches conducted at Jackson’s residence led to the discovery of additional quantities of fentanyl, cocaine base, and a loaded Rossi .357 caliber revolver hidden under his mattress. Additionally, materials used for drug packaging were found.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Sessions remarked on Jackson’s previous drug trafficking offenses in 1998 and 2007, which he considered as an aggravating factor. The judge also noted Jackson’s decision to distribute drugs in public places, including the city’s main park, as another serious concern.

The investigation and prosecution of Jackson were commended by U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest, who acknowledged the efforts of the Burlington Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Northern Vermont Drug Task Force.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The program, launched by the Department of Justice on May 26, 2021, seeks to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit justice.gov/psn.