United States Drug Enforcement Administration

FAIR HAVEN, Vt. - Michael J. Ferguson, Acting 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 Ras Foster, 25, of Brooklyn, New York and Keisha Richards, 21, of Fair Haven, Vermont have been charged with distributing heroin and crack cocaine in the Fair Haven, Vermont area. Both pleaded not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Conroy. Magistrate Judge Conroy released Foster on the condition that he resides with his mother in Brooklyn, New York pending trial. Magistrate Judge Conroy ordered Richards held without bail until she was accepted into a suitable residential drug treatment program. After eight days in jail Richards was released into such a program.

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 Foster or Richards is convicted, each faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. Foster is represented by William Christman, Esq. Richards is represented by Richard Bothfeld, Esq. The investigation was conducted by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.