GREENFIELD — A Vermont woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and could go to jail if she violates the conditions imposed by Judge Francis Flannery.

Melissa Burnor, 29, of Colchester, Vt., appeared in Franklin County Superior Court via Zoom and was represented by attorney Timothy Flynn. The judge adopted the joint sentencing recommendation and sentenced Burnor to one year of supervised probation, with conditions that she abstain from drugs and alcohol, submit to random drug tests and substance abuse counseling, and have no contact with co-defendant Stephon Dawson.

A condition violation could result in up to 10 years in state prison or 2½ years in the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction, according to First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne, who was prosecuting the case for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Burnor’s probation will be transferred to Vermont.

Gagne said Burnor was the driver of a vehicle stopped by Massachusetts State Police heading northbound on Interstate 91 in Deerfield at around 12:30 a.m. on March 31, 2018. Dawson was the only passenger in the vehicle.

Police discovered approximately 25 grams of cocaine in the center console, along with $1,158 in cash in the glove compartment. According to Gagne, Burnor admitted she and Dawson had purchased the narcotics in Hampden County and were intending to sell it in Vermont.

Burnor and Dawson were each indicted for trafficking in 18 to 36 grams of cocaine. Burnor’s charge was reduced to possession with intent to distribute as part of a plea deal. Gagne said Dawson’s case is still pending, and he being held on pending drug charges in Vermont.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.

]]>