The Office of the United States Attorney stated today that a Burlington man, Eric A. Watson, age 21, was charged today in the United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont
with the robbery of the Opportunities Credit Union located in Burlington.

An affidavit of a Special Agent of the FBI which accompanied the Criminal Complaint revealed that on November 28, 2006 the Opportunities Credit Union located in Burlington, Vermont was robbed by a man brandishing an apparent firearm, wearing a distinctive sweatshirt with a bandana partially concealing his face. The robber fled with $2,820 in U.S. currency. Investigation by the Burlington Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led to the apprehension of Eric A. Watson on a Burlington street, recovery of a BB pistol and the clothing worn during the robbery, and recovery of $2,360 in U.S. currency. The currency was discovered partially buried behind the LaFountain Street residence where Watson was arrested. Watson appeared today before Chief United States District Judge William K. Sessions III for an initial appearance. Following the initial appearance Watson was ordered detained in the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service. If convicted of the offense, Watson faces a possible term of imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of $250,000.00. The actual sentence, in the event of a conviction, will be determined in accordance with the federal sentencing guidelines. United States Attorney Thomas D. Anderson stated that Watson is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Court scheduled a probable cause hearing to occur on December 12, 2006 at 1:00 p.m

Watson was represented in Court today by Elizabeth D. Mann, Assistant Federal Public Defender Assistant United States Attorney John M. Conroy is the prosecutor. United States Attorney Anderson commended the cooperative effort of the Burlington Police Department and the Burlington resident agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their swift investigation and arrest in this matter