The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that a Burlington man, Eric A. Watson, 21, appeared today in the United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont and pled guilty to robbing the Opportunities Credit Union on November 28, 2006.

Watson admitted tody in court that he entered the Opportunities Credit Union on November 28, 2006 in possession of a BB pistol, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a bandana in order to conceal his face. He demanded that the teller give him money, and Watson fled from the Opportunities Credit Union with $2,820. Burlington Police Officers and FBI agents responded to the scene, and Watson was quickly identified as a suspect. Watson was located and arrested after a brief foot chase. Most of the robbery proceeds was found partially buried behind a LaFountain Street residence. The sweatshirt and BB pistol were recovered from a North Street trash dumpster.

Chief United States District Judge William K. Sessions III accepted Watson's plea of guilty to the credit union robbery charge and ordered the preparation of a presentence report in anticipation of a July 2, 2007 sentencing. Watson faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence will be imposed pursuant to the federal Sentencing Guidelines.

United States Attorney Thomas D. Anderson commended the swift and cooperative investigation by the Burlington Police Department and the Burlington resident agency of the FBI. Watson was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal to await his sentencing date. Initially released following his December 2006 arrest, Watson failed to abide by release conditions and has been detained since February 22, 2007. Watson was represented by Elizabeth D. Mann, Assistant Federal Public Defender. Assistant United States Attorney John M. Conroy is the prosecutor.