Woman could get life on drug charges
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. --A 33-year-old Brattleboro woman could face life in prison as a habitual offender if a new round of drug charges sticks.
Veronica D. Gilbeau of 121 Williams St. pleaded not guilty in Vermont District Court for Windham County to possession of more than 2.5 grams of cocaine, and possession of more than a fifth of a gram of heroin -- both felonies. She also is charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.
The charges stemmed from an investigation in which police obtained a warrant to search the motel room where Gilbeau was staying on July 16. They said they found a purse containing two bags of cocaine adding up to 18 grams, 15 small envelopes containing heroin and two bags containing about 5 grams each of marijuana.
Windham County Deputy State's Attorney David Gartenstein filed papers in court calling for Gilbeau to be designated as a habitual offender, meaning she could get life in prison.
He said she had five prior felony convictions between 1997 and 2004, including accessory after the fact, conspiracy, aiding in the commission of a felony, possession of stolen property and forgery.
Gilbeau pleaded not guilty to the habitual offender upgrade in charges.
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Information from: Brattleboro Reformer 