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Press Release

Rutland Man And Boarding House Resident Faces Federal Charge For Crack Cocaine Distribution

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Michael Petruccelli, 49, of Rutland, Vermont has been charged with distributing crack cocaine in Rutland, Vermont in a two-count indictment returned on February 4, 2015. Petruccelli pled not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Conroy to the charges against him. Judge Conroy ordered that Petruccelli be detained pending trial in light of Petruccelli’s prior criminal record and drug addiction issues.

            According to the government allegations, Petruccelli resides at the boarding house at 24 Cottage Street in Rutland, which is owned by his parents. According to the government’s detention motion, the government alleges that in November 2014, an FBI Special Agent warned Petruccelli to stop selling drugs or he would be arrested. Petruccelli is now charged with committing crack cocaine distribution crimes both before and after this warning from the FBI.

            The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. If Petruccelli is convicted, he faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of twenty years.

            The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. Petruccelli is represented by Thomas Sherrer, Esq. The investigation was conducted by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Updated June 22, 2015