Kayla Wright Death: Criminal Complaint
Kayla Wright Death: Criminal Complaint
Kayla Wright Death: Criminal Complaint
CRIMINAL COMPLAINT
I, the complainant in this case, state that the following is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
On or about the date(s) of December 2023 through present in the county of Orleans in the
District of ___V_e_r_m_o_n_t___ , the defendant(s) violated:
\
This criminal complaint is based on these facts:
See Affidavit.
Attested to by the complainant in accordance with the requirements of Fed. R. Crim. P. 4.1 by
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _(specify reliable electronic means)
Date: 2./P/2't:
TI
City and state: Burlington, Vermont Kevin J. Doyle, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court
Printed name and title
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AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF
CRIMINAL COMPLAINT
I, Scott Labor, being first duly sworn, hereby depose and state as follows:
Thomas Rooney, and Jakiy Tramaine Corey Keith (aka "AB") with knowingly and intentionally
conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including
cocaine base, between December 2023 and the present in violation of21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846.
component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and I have been since 2005. I am
currently assigned to the HSI Derby resident agency. In my capacity as a Special Agent, I am
familiar with federal laws regarding the possession and transfer of firearms as well as federal
laws regarding the distribution of, possession with the intent to distribute, and conspiracy to
distribute controlled substances. I have been trained in the investigation of violations of those
laws, and I have participated in many such investigations. I have applied for and executed search
devices, and searches of location information for electronic devices and vehicles. I have
participated in all phases of investigations of those violations, including interviews with firearm
purchasers who traded firearms for controlled substances and interviews with users and
familiar with the techniques employed by distributors of controlled substances and their means
of acquiring, transporting, storing, preparing, and distributing controlled substances; their means
of collecting, transporting, and transferring the proceeds of controlled substances; and their
means of acquiring, using, and trafficking firearms in connection with the controlled substance
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violations. Among those investigations, I have specifically participated in the investigation and
prosecution of controlled substance and firearm crimes in the "Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont
3. The facts in this affidavit come from my personal observations, my training and
experience, and information obtained from other agents, law enforcement officers, and witnesses
in the course of this investigation. This investigation has involved a collaboration with the
Northern Vermont Drug Task Force (NVDTF), HSI, ATF, the Federal Bureau oflnvestigation
(FBI), and the Vermont State Police (VSP), as well as other assisting state and local law
and I have reviewed information from other investigators, business records and recordings, law
enforcement reports and affidavits, and interviews with witnesses involved. When a statement of
another individual is included herein, it is presented in sum and substance, unless it is shown to
be quoted directly. This affidavit is intended to show only that there is probable cause for the
requested search warrant, so it does not set forth all of my knowledge about this matter.
Rooney and Thomas Rooney located at 7021 Vermont Route 100 in the town of Troy, Vermont
(the SUBJECT PROPERTY) for evidence of violations of21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841. The
Honorable Kevin J. Doyle, United States Magistrate Judge, granted the search warrant, and it
was then assigned District of Vermont case number 2:24-mj-00020. A copy of the search
information contained in it remains true to the best of my knowledge and belief, and I
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Probable Cause
part of an ongoing drug conspiracy investigation. In the preceding days, the SUBJECT
PROPERTY had also become the focus of a missing-person investigation. According to family
members who reported her missing to VSP on February 3, 2024, Kayla Wright had been
associating with individuals at the SUBJECT PROPERTY, had stayed at the SUBJECT
PROPERTY at times, and had been involved with narcotics for some time. Kayla's family had
last heard from her at approximately 3:15 am on February 2, 2024. Kayla's family also indicated
she had been associating with an individual going by "AB," and they showed VSP Sergeant
Daniel Lynch the Facebook profile for "AB." NVDTF Detective Sergeant Gardner and I
verified that the "AB" profile shown to Sgt. Lynch was the same "Anthony Borrow" profile used
Kayla's family provided Kayla's cell phone number to VSP, and an emergency request for
specific location information ("ping") was initiated by state authorities. Ping data showed
6. Sgt. Lynch went to the SUBJECT PROPERTY on February 3, 2024, and he spoke
with Bryanna Rooney, a resident and co-owner of the SUBJECT PROPERTY. Bryanna Rooney
did not report any crimes to Sgt. Lynch. When informed that law enforcement was aware that
Kayla's phone was in the house, Bryanna Rooney found it on a pile of clothes between two
1
I note that the profile was spelled "Anthony Burrow" in Exhibit 1. I checked the profile and
confirmed the spelling as "Anthony Borrow" on the Facebook page.
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bedrooms. All of those with whom Sgt. Lynch spoke at the house denied knowing who had been
PROPERTY and met with residents Holly Fields (father of Bryanna Rooney) and Jody
Illingworth (partner of Holly Fields). Neither Fields nor Illingworth reported any crimes to the
Troopers, and both denied knowing where Kayla was; Illingworth stated she had last seen Kayla
on February 2, 2024. The Troopers asked where everyone who had been at the house earlier,
including Bryanna Rooney and Thomas Rooney, had gone in the interim. Fields and Illingworth
8. On February 3, 2024, one of Kayla's family members reported to VSP that she had
been contacted by "Borrow" ("AB") via Facebook and told by "Borrow" that Kayla was dead.
According to the family member, "Borrow" indicated a kid named "Kash KD" on Facebook had
shot Kayla and disposed of her body by concealing it in a toolbox and tossing it into Big Falls
9. On the afternoon of February 6, 2024, VSP received information that two individuals
had located a toolbox on a sandbar in the river in the vicinity of Big Falls. VSP Troopers
responded to the area and located a black Craftsman truck-bed-style toolbox with a silver
diamond-plated top. A trooper pried open the top and found a deceased female whose
appearance was consistent with Kayla Wright. As of the time of drafting, formal identification
stop at the SUBJECT PROPERY. Two male subjects left the SUBJECT PROPERTY and
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entered the sedan, which then departed the area. Investigators maintained constant surveillance
of the sedan from the time it left the SUBJECT PROPERTY, and it made no stops before police
observed it traveling well in excess of the speed limit while southbound on Interstate 91 in the
town of Westminster, Vermont. They initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle yielded. The driver
and front-seat passenger were identified, but the two backseat passengers-the two who had
exited the SUBJECT PROPERTY-refused to identify themselves. One of them was later
identified as Jakiy Tramaine Corey Keith; the other was determined to be a 15-year-oldjuvenile
associate of Keith's. While the driver was being investigated for possible driving under the
influence, based in part on a distinct smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and in part
on the driver's statements, a police canine trained to detect the odor of certain controlled
substances conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle. The canine alerted to the presence of the
odor of controlled substances, and the sedan was subsequently searched. Investigators seized a
backpack from the floorboard between Keith's feet, and it contained several thousand dollars in
United States currency. They also seized a backpack from the trunk of the sedan, and it
contained a large amount of suspected fentanyl and individual packages of suspected cocaine
base. Investigators also seized a small amount (estimated to be approximately 1-2 grams) of
suspected cocaine base from Keith's person. Keith was detained and transported to the
11. Detective Sergeant LaBombard and Detective Sergeant Gardner interviewed Jakiy
Keith at the Westminster Barracks. I have spoken with Det. Sgt. Gardner about that interview.
He recognized Keith to be "AB" based on a video recording of the first controlled purchase
described in Exhibit #1. When shown a still image from that recording, Keith identified the
individual pictured as himself. Keith acknowledged knowing Kayla, stating that he had last seen
5
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her on Friday February 2, 2024, at around 4:00 am at the SUBJECT PROPERTY. He claimed
that he went to sleep shortly thereafter and that Kayla was not at the house when he woke up. He
claimed he tried to contact Kayla's cell phone later that evening; when she did not respond, he
communicated with Kayla's sister. Keith stated that, when he did not see Kayla the following
day (Saturday February 3, 2024), he confronted all of the people in the house with his handgun
and rifle and demanded to know where she was. Keith stated that one of the people present,
Aaron Camp, told him a male subject named "Kash" came to the house on Friday morning,
confronted Kayla and argued about fake cash, and then shot Kayla three times with a 9-
millimeter handgun. Keith continued the narrative he claimed Camp told him, saying that
"Kash" told Camp and Josh Pendleton to clean the kitchen and dispose of the body and that
Camp placed Kayla in a toolbox that was outside in the front yard. Keith described the toolbox
they used as having a diamond-plated top. Keith stated that Camp took him to the Big Falls area
on Saturday afternoon to show him where Camp had dumped the toolbox in the river the night
before. Keith stated that he did not hear gunshots that morning (Friday February 2, 2024) and
that he did not know anything had occurred at the house, but he was present in the kitchen when
Camp recovered two 9-millimeter casings that Camp later flushed down the toilet when State
12. On February 7, 2023, HSI agents executed the search warrant at the SUBJECT
PROPERTY. The following people were located within the SUBJECT PROPERTY and
detained for further investigation: Bryanna Rooney, Thomas Rooney, Holly Fields, Jody
Illingworth, Terron (Josh) Pendleton, and Quintin Everett (aka "DB"). The search itself is
ongoing, based on the need for forensic examination of the crime scene, so an inventory has not
yet been produced. When the HSI tactical team entered and cleared the SUBJECT PROPERTY,
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however, team members observed multiple items of drug paraphernalia consistent with drug
trafficking, including electronic scales, razor blades, baggies, "crack" pipes, and other packaging
materials. HSI tactical team members further observed what appeared to be blood in the garage,
13. For the reasons described above and in Exhibit #1, I submit there is probable cause
to believe that Bryanna Rooney, Thomas Rooney, and Jakiy Tramaine Corey Keith (aka "AB")
knowingly and intentionally conspiring with one another and with others to distribute and to
possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including cocaine base, between
December 2023 and the present in the District of Vermont in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and
846. I request the Court issue a Criminal Complaint charging them accordingly.
+!
Dated at Burlington, in the District of Vermont, this L day of February, 2024.
Attested to by the complainant iJtccordance with the requirements of Fed. R. Crim. P. 4.1 by
Facetime video call on this _Z__ day of February 2024.
7
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See Attachment B.
The basis for the search under Fed. R. Crim. P. 4l(c) is (check one or more):
'evidence of a crime;
Nf contraband, fruits of crime, or other items illegally possessed;
m property designed for use, intended for use, or used in committing a crime;
ma person to be arrested or a person who is unlawfully restrained.
The search is related to a violation of:
Code Section Offense Description
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841 Conspiracy to distribute and PWID controlled substances
Date:
City and state: Burlington, Vermont Honorable Kevin J. Doyle, U.S. Magistrate Judge
Printed name and title
EXHIBIT 1
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ATTACHMENT A
PROPERTY TO BE SEARCHED
The SUBJECT PROPERTY is the premises at 7021 Vermont Route 100 in the town of
Troy, Vermont. The residence is a single-story ranch-style building that is yellow in color with
white trim and an attached one-bay garage. The front of the residence faces generally west onto
Vermont Route 100. There are accessible exterior doors on the front (northwest) side the residence
and on the rear (southeast) side of the residence.
1
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3
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ATTACHMENTB
Items to be Seized
and fentany 1,
storing, transporting, and distributing controlled substances (such as scales, glassine and
plastic baggies, safes, lockboxes, and devices used to consume controlled substances);
d. United States currency or cryptocurrency and all records pertaining to the possession or
f. Records related to assets possessed, owned, sold, or transferred potentially using the
g. All cell phones, electronic devices, or electronic storage media that reasonably appear to
PROPERTY that are capable of storing data such as contacts; notes; text messages;
messages sent via applications and social networking sites such as WhatsApp, Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram and others; digital photographs; or other electronic records; and
1
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h. Records and information relating to the identity, residency, ownership, and/or location of
the suspects, including leased, utility records, receipt of benefits, or bills showing money
II. For any device or storage medium whose seizure is authorized by this warrant in Section I
above (hereinafter, "DEVICE"), this warrant also authorizes the search of such device
(including a forensic examination) for evidence of violations described above, including the
following:
a. Information regarding the identifying features of the DEVICE, including make, model,
phone number;
b. Contact information in contact lists, including names, screen names, nicknames, phone
and from which communications were received, as well as the logs of incoming,
e. Any information regarding bank records, checks, credit card bills, account information,
g. Digital photographs and videos of individuals involved in the distribution and possession
2
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h. Evidence of user attribution (including the purpose of the DEVICE's use, who used it,
and when) showing who used or owned the devices at the time the things described in
this warrant were created, edited, or deleted, such as logs, phonebooks, saved usemames
3
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AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF
RESIDENTIAL SEARCH WARRANT APPLICATION
I, Scott Labor, being first duly sworn, hereby depose and state as follows:
the residents and occupants for the preparation, storage, and distribution of controlled substances
and the storage of proceeds from those distributions. Based on the information below, pursuant
to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41, I am applying for a warrant authorizing the search of
the residence of Thomas Rooney and Bryanna Rooney located at 7021 Vermont Route 100 in the
town Troy, Vermont (the SUBJECT PROPERTY)-a location within the District of Vermont. I
submit there is probable cause to search the SUBJECT PROPERTY for evidence relating to
possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to commit those
The categories of items to be seized from the SUBJECT PROPERTY are listed in Attachment B.
component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and I have been since 2005. I am
currently assigned to the HSI Derby resident agency. In my capacity as a Special Agent, I am
familiar with federal laws regarding the possession and transfer of firearms as well as federal
laws regarding the distribution of, possession with the intent to distribute, and conspiracy to
distribute controlled substances. I have been trained in the investigation of violations of those
laws, and I have participated in many such investigations. I have applied for and executed search
devices, and searches of location information for electronic devices and vehicles. I have
1
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participated in all phases of investigations of those violations, including interviews with fireann
purchasers who traded firearms for controlled substances and interviews with users and
familiar with the techniques employed by distributors of controlled substances and their means .
of acquiring, transporting, storing, preparing, and distributing controlled substances; their means
of collecting, transporting, and transferring the proceeds of controlled substances; and their
means of acquiring, using, and trafficking firearms in connection with the controlled substance
violations. Among those investigations, I have specifically participated in the investigation and
prosecution of controlled substance and firearm crimes in the ''Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont
3. The facts in this affidavit come from my personal observations, my training and
experience, and information obtained from other agents, law enforcement officers, and witnesses
in the course of this investigation. This investigation has involved a collaboration with the
Northern Vermont Drug Task Force (NVDTF), HSI, ATF, the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), and the Vermont State Police (VSP), as well as other assisting state and local law
and I have reviewed information from other investigators, business records and recordings, law
enforcement reports and affidavits, and interviews with witnesses involved. When a statement of
another individual is included herein, it is presented in sum and substance, unless it is shown to
be quoted directly. This affidavit is intended to show only that there is probable cause for the
requested search warrant, so it does not set forth all of my knowledge about this matter.
2
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Probable Cause
.4. In December 2023, HSI and the NVDTF started an investigation into the distribution
offentanyl and cocaine base in the Orleans County area of Vermont. The targets of the
investigation were Jose Jusino (also known as "Derrick Rose," whose year of birth is 1999),
William Jusino (also known as "Marcus Garvey," whose year of birth is 1992), a man locally
known as "AB" (identity unknown to law enforcement), Bryanna Rooney (year of birth 1994),
and Thomas Rooney (year of birth 1999). NVDTF had received information from a cooperating
individual (referred to herein as CI-1 and "she/he" and "him/her")1 that Jose Jusino (known to
CI-1 as "Derrick Rose" or "D Rose") and "AB" were actively selling fentanyl and cocaine base
(colloquially known as "crack" or "hard") in collaboration with others in Orleans County. CI-1
indicated that "Derrick Rose" was the lead "dealer" of a group of individuals ("crew'') from
Connecticut that were most recently staying at "Bryanna Fields's" house in Troy, Vermont. I
know Bryanna Fields to be married to Thomas Rooney and to have the married name of Bryanna
Rooney. CI-1 indicated that "Derrick Rose" had told him/her that Rooney's residence was his
current "spot," which I know is common lingo for a place to meet people for drug transactions.
NVDTF agents were familiar with Jose Jusino from periodic, ongoing drug investigations in the
Northeast Kingdom beginning in 2020. NVDTF Detective Aaron Lefebvre showed CI-1 an
unmarked photograph of Jose Jusino, and CI-1 positively identified the individual in the
photograph as "Derrick Rose," noting that she/he did not know the real name of"Derrick Rose."
1
At the time of this investigation, CI-1 was assisting HSI and NVDTF for monetary
compensation that was not contingent upon the identity of the target(s) of the investigation.
Based on CI-1 's statements to NVDTF, CI-1 is a recovering cocaine user. CI-1 has no known
criminal history based on the databases available to HSI and NVDTF. Based on CI-1 's
performance, the NVDTF detectives believe CI-1 is a reliable and credible source of
information.
3
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"she/he" and "him/her")2 informed detectives that a man known as "AB" was selling crack and
fentanyl in Orleans County. During the investigation described below, NVDTF determined that
"AB" was working with Jose Jusino and that Bryanna Rooney and Thomas Rooney were hosting
Jose Jusino and "AB," among other associates, in their residence at 7021 Vermont Route 100
(the SUBJECT PROPERTY) for the purpose of preparing, storing, and distributing drugs.
6. During January 2024, NVD1F and HSI conducted two separate controlled purchases
at the SUBJECT PROPERTY using CI-1. During the controlled purchases, "Derrick Rose"
(Jose Jusino) and/or "AB" (who identity is presently unknown) either coordinated or directly
Thomas Rooney, and Jason Willey, each of whom is known to NVDTF detectives through prior
law enforcement contacts and investigations-were present during the transactions and
participated in some manner. If Jose Jusino or "AB" did not directly conduct the controlled
purchase, one or the other participated in the transaction by arranging it with CI-1 and directing
him/her to the SUBJECT PROPERTY. In both controlled purchases, suspected crack cocaine
2
During a later portion of this investigation, CI-2 was also assisting HSI and NVDTF for
monetary compensation that was not contingent upon the identity of the target(s) of the
investigation. Based on CI-2's statements to NVDTF prior to working with NVDTF, Cl-2 was a
current user of"crack" cocaine; however, she/he was attempting to become sober. CI-2's
criminal history comprises three misdemeanor convictions for driving under the influence;
investigators are not aware of any other convictions. CI-2's statements to NVDTF investigators
during this investigation were corroborated by investigators' observations and by surveillance
during the events, so the NVDTF detectives believe CI-2 was a reliable and credible source of
information despite CI-2's use of cocaine before she/he was working with NVDTF.
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with Jose Jusino and/or "AB" using CI-1. One of the controlled purchases was conducted during
a. CI-1 knew "Derrick Rose" (Jose Jusino) to use the Facebook account
through prior interactions with him, and CI-1 told NVDTF detectives she/he could call or
message his Facebook Messenger account to arrange a crack cocaine purchase. Prior to
the controlled purchase, CI-1 contacted Jose Jusino-at the direction and in the presence
messages, Jose Jusino indicated CI-1 could "pull up" (which CI-1 and I understood to
mean come to a location to buy drugs), but he did not specify where to go. CI-1
understood that to mean she/he should go to the "spot" "Derrick Rose" had previously
Orleans County, Vermont. The messages arranged to purchase a "half ball" of crack
cocaine. 3 Jose Jusino further instructed Cl-1 to ask for "AB," which CI-1 understood to
mean she/he was to ask for "AB" upon arriving at the Rooney residence.
b. Investigators with NVDTF employed standard controls during this and the
other controlled purchases described below. For example, investigators met with CI-1
prior to the transaction and searched CI-1 and CI-1 's vehicle to determine if she/he
3
Based on my training and experience, I know that a "half ball" refers to approximately 1116th
ounce (approximately 1. 7 grams) of cocaine or cocaine base-that is, half of an "eight-ball,"
which is approximately I/8th ounce (approximately 3.5 grams) of cocaine or cocaine base.
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possessed any cash or controlled substances. CI-1 was then provided with $140 of
prerecorded currency for the planned purchase. CI-1 was also provided with audio/video
recording and audio transmitting devices so the investigators could monitor the
transaction in real time and review recordings after the event to corroborate CI-1 's
location and of CI-1 from the time CI-1 met with the investigators before the event until ·
CI-1 met with investigators after the event (except when CI-1 was inside of a structure or
vehicle for the transaction). CI-1 was then searched again after the event to ensure she/he
did not possess any controlled substances or currency that was not surrendered to the
investigators following the transaction. CI-1 then provided a sworn statement about the
Vermont Route 100 in Troy, Vermont (the SUBJECT PROPERTY) and enter the
residence through the front door. According to Cl-1 'slater sworn statement, CI-1 was
met by Holly Fields at the door. I know Holly Fields to be the father of Bryanna Rooney.
CI-1 told Holly Fields she/he was there to see "AB," and CI-1 met a male called "AB" in
the kitchen of the residence. CI-1 and "AB" discussed the price at which CI-1 had
purchased from Jose Jusino in the past, and "AB" agreed to sell the "half ball" for $120.
CI-1 handed the currency she/he had been provided by NVDTF to "AB" and received a
"half ball" of suspected crack cocaine from "AB." Investigators then observed CI-1
exiting the front door of the SUBJECT PROPERTY and leaving the driveway.
d. The agents met with CI-1 at a prearranged location. CI-1 surrendered the
purchased substance and $20 to NVDTF detectives. CI-1 stated that "AB" returned $20
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to him/her in fulfillment of the transaction CI-1 had arranged with Jose Jusino via
Facebook Messenger messages using the "Robbert Rose" account. CI-1 stated that
• she/he provided the $140 to a male named "AB," that "AB" provided the crack cocaine,
e. The surrendered substance was later field tested by NVDTF Detective Aaron
Lefebvre. The substance in the baggie tested presumptively positive for the presence of
cocaine using a NIK test kit. The suspected "crack" cocaine weighed approximately 2.1
CI-1, and the recordings corroborated CI-1 's description of the transaction with "AB."
"AB" could be seen receiving the money from CI-1. At one point, Jason Willey was
readily visible standing at the kitchen island holding a quantity of apparent crack cocaine
in both hands. NVDTF investigators are familiar with and able to recognize Jason Willey
2022, when Jason Willey was shot by another drug dealer in the town of Holland,
Vermont. Drug paraphernalia-such as packaging materials, foil, digital scales, and tied-
off baggies-was visible on the kitchen island. Two still frame images from the video
recording of the controlled purchase appear below, depicting the kitchen island and the
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8. During the week of January 10, 2024, investigators made a second controlled
purchase from individuals at the SUBJECT PROPERTY using CI-1. CI-1 told NVDTF
detectives she/he could call or message "AB's" Facebook Messenger account to arrange a crack
cocaine purchase with him. Prior to the controlled purchase, at the direction and under the
observation ofNVDTF investigators, CI-1 contacted "AB" via Facebook Messenger with "AB"
profile name.
a. CI-1 requested a half ball of crack cocaine, and "AB" indicated it was fine to
stop by. Although no location was designated in the messages, CI-1 asked "AB" if they
were still in the same location, and "AB" responded affirmatively. CI-1 understood that
to mean that the transaction was to take place at the SUBJECT PROPERTY.
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b. Similar controls were employed during this purchase, in that CI-1 was briefed
and searched prior to the purchase, was provided with recording and transmitting
equipment, was provided with $120 of prerecorded currency for the purchase, was
surveilled to and from the purchase location, and was searched and debriefed after the
purchase.
enter it through the front door. During a sworn statement after the resulting transaction,
CI-1 indicated she/he had arrived at the SUBJECT PROPERTY and met Thomas
Rooney-who was previously known to CI-I-inside the front door. Thomas Rooney
instructed CI-1 to keep his/her phone concealed, apparently concerned that it could be a
recording device. Thomas Rooney led CI-1 through the residence where they spoke with
Bryanna Rooney, with whom CI-1 was already familiar. Thomas Rooney asked CI-1 if
she/he had a bag he could use as packaging, and Cl-1. said no. Bryanna Rooney then told
Thomas Rooney she had a bag that could be used. Thomas Rooney told CI-1 the cocaine
weighed "1.7'' (grams). CI-1 thanked them, and Bryanna said, "You're welcome."
Thomas Rooney then asked CI-1 to smoke a "free hit" before leaving. Shortly thereafter,
investigators saw CI-1 departing the SUBJECT PROPERTY, and they followed CI-1 to a
the suspected "crack" cocaine she/he had purchased at the SUBJECT PROPERTY to
Detective Lefebvre. During a recorded sworn statement, CI-1 described the transaction at
the Rooney residence and informed the detective that he/she had used crack cocaine
while there. CI-1 provided the $120 from NVDTF to Thomas Rooney upon entering the
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residence. Walking through the house, CI-1 observed several firearms on the kitchen
counter and a handgun resting next to a man on the couch who CI-1 did not know but
estimated was in his late twenties. Thomas Rooney and CI-1 went into a room where
Bryanna Rooney and another unknown male were. Thomas Rooney then began weighing
drugs on a scale, and Bryanna Rooney gave him a baggie to package them. After CI-1
received the "half ball" from Thomas Rooney, he wanted CI-1 to smoke cocaine with
them. CI-1 felt that was a ''test" to ensure he/she was not a confidential informant and
that, based on his/her experience, if you don't use the drugs when asked by the dealer,
you will get hurt. CI-1 advised he/she smoked "crack" cocaine to avoid getting hurt.
e. Detective Lefebvre field tested the substance in the plastic baggie CI-1
surrendered to him using a NIK test kit. The substance tested presumptively positive for
the presence of cocaine and weighed approximately 2.1 grams (inclusive of packaging).
CI-1. The audio portions of the recordings corroborated CI-1 's description of the
interactions with Thomas Rooney and Bryanna Rooney. Their voices-with which
9. During the week of January 30, 2024, investigators communicated with individuals
associated with the SUBJECT PROPERTY using CI-2, with whom they had just started working
under an agreement with NVDTF. On January 30, 2024, NVDTF investigators met with CI-2.
CI-2 stated that she/he had gone to the SUBJECT PROPERTY on January 26, 2024-before
having signed an agreement with NVDTF· as a formal cooperator-with Shayne Prue. Shayne
Case 2:24-mj-00020-kjd Document 5-2 Filed 02/08/24 Page 18 of 22
Prue is known to NVDTF investigators, who believe him to be a dealer of controlled substances
in the Orleans County, Vermont area based on prior investigations. CI-2 stated that, while at the
SUBJECT PROPERTY with Shayne Prue, she/he met a black male going by the name "AB."
CI-2 told investigators that she/he wasn't at the property for long before she/he was asked to
leave by occupants of the property. CI-2 stated that, several minutes later, Shayne Prue came out
of the SUBJECT PROPERTY with a large amount of drugs. Detectives showed CI-2 an
unmarked image of a man they suspected might be "AB," and CI-2 stated that the image
appeared to be the person she/he knew as "AB." CI~2 stated that on January 28, 2024, she/he
recognized an image on the Facebook account to be "AB." CI-2 stated that "AB" asked him/her
via Facebook Messenger if she/he was the person that got kicked out of the house a couple of
days ago. CI-2 stated that "AB" apologized and indicated that he and his crew get nervous when
new people show up. CI-2 stated that "AB" told him/her that she/he could come back to the
10. Prior to meeting with CI-2 on January 30, 2024, CI-2 had been instructed by
NVDTF detectives to contact "AB" via Facebook Messenger if possible. CI-2 sent a message to
the "Anthony Burrow" profile, but CI-1 told detectives that "AB" was offline and hadn't
11. On January 31, 2024, CI-2 contactedNVDTF investigators and stated that "AB"
responded that day. "AB" told CI-2 that he wasn't at the house, but that someone would be there
in his place. CI-2 further stated that "AB" said he would be back on Friday (presumably
February 2, 2024).
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12. Since December 2023, investigators have periodically surveilled the area around
the SUBJECT PROPERTY. During such surveillance operations, investigators have observed a
large number of subjects coming to and leaving from the SUBJECT PROPERTY in short time
frames. Based on my training and experience, I know that such interactions may be indicative of
drug-distribution activities.
a. Both small- and large-scale drug traffickers often maintain, on hand, large
amounts of U.S. currency obtained from the distribution of controlled substances and
notes, ledgers, electronic/digital data (including on cell phones), money orders, and other
cellular phones that are used to exchange text messages and communications in
commonly maintained where controlled substance traffickers can have ready access to
contraband, proceeds of drug sales, and records of transactions in secure locations within
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Case 2:24-mj-00020-kjd Document 5-2 Filed 02/08/24 Page 20 of 22
their residence and/or other residences, either vacant or occupied by other members of the
trafficking conspiracy (stash houses), and/or their businesses, to conceal them from law
enforcement authorities.
conceal in their residences, stash houses, and businesses caches of drugs, large amounts
of currency, financial instruments, firearms, and other items of value and/or proceeds of
drug transactions and evidence of financial transactions relating to the attainment and
activities.
travel to source areas to purchase and otherwise facilitate their trafficking. After
purchasing controlled substances, the traffickers will transport narcotics (or cause them to
driven by "runners" who drive the vehicle containing proceeds or controlled substances
ledgers, or digital data forms. Those contact lists include information about their
associates in the trafficking organization, their sources of supply, and their customers.
their associates, their property (including firearms), their products, and proceeds from
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Case 2:24-mj-00020-kjd Document 5-2 Filed 02/08/24 Page 21 of 22
in their vehicles, and at residences they occupy or use, and/or their businesses) firearms
and ammunition to protect themselves, their controlled substances, and the proceeds from
distributions from robberies. Those firearms often include pistols, revolvers, rifles, and
shotguns, and they occasionally include machine guns, silencers, or other restricted
weapons. Drug traffickers will also frequently trade controlled substances for other
14. For the reasons described above, I submit there is probable cause to believe that
violations of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 841 have occurred in or at the
SUBJECT PROPERTY at 7021 Vermont Route 100, Troy, Vermont. Further, probable cause
exists to believe that the SUBJECT PROPERTY may contain evidence of those criminal
offenses, contraband and fruits of those offenses, and property that has been used in committing
those offenses. Accordingly, I request the Court issue a search warrant authorizing the search of
the SUBJECT PROPERTY described in Attachment A and the seizure from that SUBJECT
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Case 2:24-mj-00020-kjd Document 5-2 Filed 02/08/24 Page 22 of 22
.J..!
Subscribed and sworn to before me in Burlington, Vermont on this ..fr._ day of February, 2024.
Magistrate Judge
United States District Court
District of Vermont
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