Burlington, Vt. – A Rutland man was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for his involvement in firearm and drug trafficking.
Lawrence Jackson, aka “Boo-Bee”, 53, was sentenced Nov. 15 to a term of 190 months’ imprisonment followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Jackson was convicted by a jury on April 17 of seven drug trafficking and firearm offenses after a seven-day trial.
“Jackson and his drug trafficking operation were responsible for violence and havoc in Rutland but with this sentence, he’s off the streets. HSI is committed to working alongside our local partners to dismantle criminal enterprises and upholding public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New England.
According to court records and evidence admitted at trial, Jackson was the leader and organizer of a drug trafficking operation in the Rutland area that distributed over 3.5 kilograms of cocaine between December 2020 and November 2021. Jackson distributed large quantities of powder cocaine and cocaine base from four Rutland-area hotels and motels, as well as private residences. Jackson personally employed violence and intimidation to further his drug trafficking activities and directed others to do so. This violence included pistol-whippings and assaults as retribution for drug debts and personal affronts. Jackson armed himself and his coconspirators with firearms, including his favorite weapon, a Taurus “The Judge” revolver. Evidence admitted at sentencing established that, in addition to his drug and firearm offenses, Jackson sexually assaulted women and engaged in sex trafficking in and around Rutland.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations’ Burlington Resident Agent in Charge office, the Rutland City Police Department, and the Vermont Drug Task Force. Assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Vermont State Police.
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