Seven deny guilt in March drug sweep

Seven people denied drug charges related to a lengthy investigation, but three men have still evaded capture.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100513/NEWS02/5130383

Published May 13, 2010 in the Rutland Herald

Seven deny guilt in March drug sweep

By JOSH O'GORMAN STAFF WRITER

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Seven people denied drug charges related to a lengthy investigation, but three men have still evaded capture.

Tuesday, Patrick A. Wilson, 24, of Chester, pleaded innocent in White River Junction District Court to felony charges of selling cocaine. Wilson was one of 24 people arrested March 18 during Operation Connecticut Valley, an 18-month investigation led by the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force.

Wilson was not alone in court Tuesday. Bradley Blais, 28, of Springfield, pleaded innocent to two counts of selling cocaine. Lazzel Plaster, 38, of Windsor, denied a felony charge of selling marijuana. Zachary McNeill, 18, of Cavendish, pleaded innocent to two felony counts of selling cocaine.

Three people who were not rounded up during the drug sweep but were targeted by the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force also denied charges Tuesday. Susan L. Clark, 47, of Windsor, pleaded innocent to a felony charge of selling heroin and misdemeanor charges of possessing narcotics and possessing marijuana. Joshua R. Mitchell, 21, of Springfield, denied felony charges of marijuana possession and cocaine possession. Richard S. Barbour, 39, of Windsor, pleaded innocent to felony charges of selling heroin and selling cocaine, and a misdemeanor charge of possessing cocaine.

All seven defendants are free without having to post bail.

While the sweep netted 24 people and three more who surrendered to police, three men are still at large and wanted by police. Miguel Guzman, 31, of White River Junction, is facing charges of selling cocaine. Michael Gonzales, 21, of Springfield, is accused of selling crack cocaine. Nate Trowell, 36, of Brattleboro, is facing sale of heroin charges.

State Police Detective Dan Trudeau with the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force said the three men have possibly left the state.

"The three people we're looking for have significant out-of-state ties and after they saw their names in the paper, they likely took off and are laying low," Trudeau said.