United States Drug Enforcement Administration

RUTLAND, Vt. - John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England  and the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that yesterday, Darlene Palmer, 45, of Rutland, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment on her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. United States District Judge J. Garvan Murtha also ordered Palmer to serve three years supervised release after her incarceration ends.

According to court records, Palmer conspired with Annette Rider, 45, of Rutland, and others to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in Rutland during spring 2011. During that period the Vermont Drug Task (VDTF) made several controlled purchases of heroin and crack from Palmer and Rider. On August 1, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging the two with conspiracy and several distribution counts. Palmer and Rider were arrested by the VDTF and the Drug Enforcement (DEA) on September 20, 2012. Initially released on conditions, Palmer has been detained since October 17, 2012, as a result of violating her conditions. Rider is scheduled for sentencing on August 26, 2013. United States Attorney Tristram J. Coffin commended the VDTF and DEA for their joint investigation.