NEWPORT — A Springfield, Massachusetts, man was sentenced Monday to 11 years and three months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and cocaine in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Nathaniel “JJ” Jones, 39, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III. He previously pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and cocaine.
Three co-defendants have already been sentenced. Jermaine “Bear” Douchette, 44, of Springfield, Massachusetts, received an identical 135-month sentence in December. Michelle Provencher, 26, of Irasburg, was sentenced to 37 months in February, and Daniel Peters, 29, of Newport, received 45 months.
According to court records, Jones and Douchette used multiple short-term rentals and residences in Orleans County during 2022 to distribute drugs acquired in Massachusetts. Between August and October 2022, they operated from a residence in Barton belonging to co-defendants Erica Desormeaux and Jeremy Young.
Authorities said many conspirators carried firearms, accepted guns as payment for drugs, and some made threats and engaged in violence to further their operation.
“This case underscores the relentless commitment of ATF and our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division.
Three additional defendants — Tyler Norris, Desormeaux and Young — await sentencing.
