United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Eric S. Miller United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Bryan McMahon, 30, of Burlington, pleaded guilty in United States District Court in Burlington to a charge of Interference with Commerce by Robbery. Chief District Judge Christina Reiss ordered McMahon detained pending his sentencing, which is set for March 14, 2016.

On June 5, 2015, a federal grand jury charged McMahon with robbing the Rite Aid Pharmacy on North Avenue in Burlington, Vermont on April 27, 2015. Pursuant to a written plea agreement, McMahon pleaded guilty to that charge today. According to the plea agreement, McMahon entered the Rite Aid Pharmacy while wearing an orange vest, surgical mask, and rubber gloves. McMahon approached the pharmacy counter, and obtained bottles of Methadone by making threats of force. A short time after he exited the pharmacy, McMahon was apprehended in Ethan Allen Park.

As part of the plea agreement, McMahon admitted to robbing the Lakeside Pharmacy on Pearl Street in Burlington, Vermont on December 18, 2014. For this robbery, McMahon was dressed in ski goggles, a surgical mask, gloves, and a Santa Claus hat when he obtained Oxycontin and Methadone by making threats of force. Also as part of his plea agreement, McMahon admitted to again robbing the Lakeside Pharmacy on Pearl Street on April 3, 2015. For this robbery, McMahon was dressed in aviator-style sunglasses, a surgical mask, and rubber gloves when he obtained Methadone by making threats of force.
McMahon faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. His actual sentence will be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.

United States Attorney Eric S. Miller commended the investigative efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.