News Release
For Immediate Release
Date: August 20, 2010
Contact: Special Agent Tony Pettigrew
Number: 617-557-2138

St Albans Methamphetamine Conspiracy Charged

AUG 20 -- (Burlington, Vermont) - Steven W. Derr, 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 today that five St. Albans area persons have been charged in a federal Criminal Complaint with conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine.

A Criminal Complaint unsealed yesterday charged Matthew Young, Laura Lee Martell, Sean A. Largey, Jr., Adam W. Scott, and Shane B. Bergeron, with: (1) conspiring to manufacture over five grams of methamphetamine, and (2) conspiring to possess and distribute a precursor chemical listed in the federal Controlled Substances Act knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

According to an affidavit filed with the Criminal Complaint, authored by a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent, from October, 2009 until February 10, 2010, the five conspirators illegally obtained significant quantities of pseudoephedrine, the “precursor” chemical, from area pharmacies in order to manufacture methamphetamine. They did so by making a multitude of small purchases of pseudoephedrine products (such as Sudafed) at various area retailers. By this means, the Affidavit alleges, over time the five persons acquired over 266 grams of pseudoephedrine without alerting retailers and law enforcement. The pseudoephedrine was used on an ongoing basis to “cook” methamphetamine, described as “a highly addictive synthetic stimulant.” The affidavit states that the “one pot” cooking method could be done in a single two-liter or 20-ounce soda bottle.

Young was arrested in February, 2010 by the DEA. Also in February, 2010, the DEA arrested a second man who allegedly brought the manufacturing method to Vermont and taught Young how to make methamphetamine: Nicholas Smith of Mississippi. Both Smith and Young were ordered detained pending trial on federal charges, and are in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

The new Criminal Complaint explains how Young and four other accomplices acquired enough of the necessary precursor, pseudoephedrine, to manufacture methamphetamine steadily for months in 2009 through early 2010.Martell, Scott and Bergeron made initial appearances yesterday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy. The court ordered each of the three released on conditions. On of Bergeron’s conditions is that he arrange a residential drug treatment program; he will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until that time.

The United States Attorney cautions that the Criminal Complaint contains only allegations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, working in conjunction with the St. Albans Police Department and the Vermont State Police. Federal officials also coordinated with the Franklin County State Attorney’s Office.