Keahnard Rowell, also known as “Stacks,” a 35-year-old from New York City, was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. The sentencing took place on November 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier. Rowell had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl in Bennington, Vermont, during 2022.
Court documents reveal that between mid-February and July 2022, Rowell acted as a high-ranking member of a violent drug-trafficking organization operating in Bennington. The group was led by William McLaughlin. While McLaughlin committed much of the violence associated with the organization, records show that Rowell was aware of these actions. In one incident described in court records, after McLaughlin violently assaulted a woman over a drug dispute, Rowell offered her protection by taking her to New York. However, once there, he took her phone and identification so she felt unable to leave his residence.
Rowell managed drug trafficking locations in Bennington and sold drugs for the organization. He also traveled between New York and Vermont to obtain additional supplies for distribution.
First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher acknowledged the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bennington Police Department, the Rutland City Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Smith, Jonathan Ophardt and Paul Van de Graaf. Jason Sawyer represented Rowell.
