Philadelphia man and Johnson woman arrested for cocaine sales
- Brad
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
By Keep Vermont Safe,
A monthslong investigation into crack cocaine distribution in Lamoille County has led to the arrests of Kerry Lighty, 34, of Philadelphia, PA, and Laurie McKee, 60, of Johnson.
On March 20, 2025, police executed a search warrant at McKee’s apartment on Plot Road in Johnson. Officers seized a small amount of crack cocaine and over $3,600 in suspected drug proceeds.
McKee was taken into custody without incident and charged with one count of cocaine sale and three counts of accessory to felony cocaine sales.
Lighty, who was not present at the time, was arrested the next day at a Holiday Inn Express in St. Albans. He faces three counts of cocaine sale and one count of aiding in a felony sale.
Lighty has an extensive criminal history in Philadelphia, including prior felony convictions for drug and firearms offenses. He was arraigned on March 22 and held without bail. McKee was arraigned the same day and released on conditions to appear in court.
Montpelier woman charged after threats at CVMC
On March 19, 2025, at around 11:45am, Berlin Police responded to Central Vermont Medical Center after receiving reports of a disorderly patient threatening staff.
Officers say Kirsten Desorda, of Montpelier, threatened to stab hospital workers and threw food and milk at them. She was cited for disorderly conduct and criminal threatening.
Desorda is scheduled to appear in Washington County Criminal Court on May 1, 2025.
Montpelier man cited after aggressive behavior at CVMC
The following day, March 20, 2025, Berlin Police again responded to Central Vermont Medical Center for another report of a disorderly patient.
According to police, James Byam, 22, of Montpelier, was acting aggressively toward staff and using inappropriate language. When officers arrived, Byam continued to act out and was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
Byam is scheduled to appear in Washington County Criminal Court, also on May 1, 2025.
Sutton man arrested for violating sex offender registry
Wesley Kidder, 35, of Sutton, was arrested on March 20, 2025, for violating the terms of the Vermont Sex Offender Registry.
State Police say Kidder failed to report that he was living with a juvenile under the age of 18 for more than five days, something he is required to disclose under registry rules.
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