Joseph Llano, 26, from Springfield, Massachusetts, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine base in Central Vermont. The sentencing took place on February 4, 2026, before United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier. Llano had previously pleaded guilty to the charges.
Court records indicate that Llano operated a drug distribution network alongside his brother Justin Llano, uncles Tanashe Edwards and Edwin Davila, and several other co-conspirators. The group trafficked cocaine base and fentanyl from Massachusetts into Central Vermont and distributed these substances across Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties.
Llano recruited local residents in Vermont to allow their homes to be used as distribution points for drugs brought from Massachusetts. He also enlisted individuals to transport drugs and proceeds between the two states. According to investigators, one courier recruited by Llano made about 100 trips between Springfield, Massachusetts and Central Vermont, transporting between 50 and 60 grams of cocaine base per trip. Fentanyl was also moved during some of these trips.
Authorities reported that Llano managed a social media account used to communicate with customers and facilitate sales of cocaine base or fentanyl. Law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases of cocaine base after communicating through this account.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt acknowledged the collaborative efforts of several agencies involved in the investigation: “the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, Barre Town Police Department, Barre City Police Department, Berlin Police Department, and Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner prosecuted the case. David Silver represented Joseph Llano.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
