First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone from the Northern District of New York and FBI Albany leadership met with District of Vermont First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt in Burlington on January 29, 2026. The meeting focused on efforts to combat drug and human trafficking along the New York–Vermont border.
Sarcone highlighted the importance of cooperation between districts, stating, “The close partnership between the Northern District of New York and the District of Vermont is essential to disrupting the criminal networks that exploit our shared border. By strengthening coordination among federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners, including the FBI, we are better positioned to dismantle drug trafficking and human smuggling organizations that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities. Together, we will continue to pursue these cases aggressively and hold offenders accountable.”
Ophardt emphasized joint efforts against criminal organizations affecting both states: “Coordination with our colleagues in the Northern District of New York is vital to countering criminal organizations who undermine the safety of Vermonters and New Yorkers alike. I’m grateful for our partnership with the dedicated federal prosecutors in Plattsburgh and Albany, and the support of the FBI in investigating and prosecuting these networks.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli also spoke about collaboration across state lines: “FBI Albany is fortunate to have such tremendously strong partners in both the Northern District of New York and the District of Vermont. By working together, we can ensure we are dedicating the appropriate resources to identify, investigate, and bring to justice the dangerous criminals crossing our state borders to bring harmful narcotics into our communities and threatening our most vulnerable.”
No additional details were provided regarding specific operations or future initiatives resulting from this meeting.
