Hinesburg, Vermont resident Marcus Watkins, 35 years old, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. Cocaine base is also commonly referred to as “Crack Cocaine.” Cocaine base is a Schedule II narcotic, meaning it carries a heavier jail sentence if convicted. Cocaine powder and cocaine base are chemically pretty much the same. But powdered cocaine is either snorted or mixed with water and injected. “Crack,” or cocaine base is smoked on its own or with tobacco or marijuana.
The Burlington Police Department received information that Mr. Watkins had narcotics in his possession. The Burlington Police Department coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Colchester Police Department to apprehend Mr. Watkins in a traffic stop.
At the traffic stop, Mr. Watkins had bags of cocaine hidden on his body in several places and more throughout his car. In all, he had 12 grams of cocaine base and two plastic zipper bags full of marijuana. If convicted, Marcus Watkins could face up to twenty years in jail.
After his arrest, United States Magistrate John Conroy ordered Mr. Watkins to be incarcerated until trial at his arraignment. When he was arrested, Mr. Watkins was on supervised parole from another drug conviction. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Ophardt is representing the United States in this case. Mr. Watkins has been assigned a defense attorney through the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
