Two Schenectady County, New York Men Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Crack Cocaine in Burlington, Vermont

BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Donald Stewart, 42, of Schenectady, New York, and Lisandro Brown, 49, of Rotterdam, New York, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. On July 27, 2026, Stewart and Brown both appeared before United States Magistrate Judge James O’Hara. Judge O’Hara ordered that both Stewart and Brown be detained pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. According to court records, Stewart and Brown sold cocaine base to a confidential source throughout June and July of 2026. On July 24, 2026, law enforcement executed search warrants at apartments located at 60 Colchester Avenue in Burlington, Vermont; 157 North Avenue in Burlington, Vermont; and 134 North Street in Burlington, Vermont. The searches resulted in the seizure of over 200 grams of powder cocaine, a loaded SKS rifle, and over $27,000 of cash. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Stewart and Brown are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Both men face up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecutor is First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt. Stewart is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Brown is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.