Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Robbery After Fleeing in Stolen Vehicles
Eric Edson, a 54-year-old man from Vermont, was recently sentenced to four years in prison for a federal robbery charge. This sentence comes after Edson evaded law enforcement for over a week using various modes of transportation following a robbery in Burlington last year. Judge Joseph Laplante handed down the sentence in federal court in Rutland, marking the culmination of a dramatic case.
Robbery at Sierra Trading Post
The incident in question took place on August 24, 2023, at the Sierra Trading Post on Shelburne Road in Burlington. Responding to a report of a robbery, Burlington Police Department officers discovered that Edson had attempted to leave the store with unpaid merchandise. When confronted by an employee, Edson allegedly threatened violence, claiming he had a firearm, and made off with a backpack, 11 shirts, sneakers, socks, and a water jug amounting to $374.
Week-Long Chase
After the robbery, Edson managed to evade authorities for several days, using a car, bike, sailboat, and other means to escape capture. Police finally apprehended him on September 7 after he attempted to flee in a stolen dump truck and a John Deere tractor. Edson was later seen kayaking on the Lamoille River, leading officers on a chase through the woods before being caught.
Legal Proceedings
During his sentencing hearing, Edson’s defense team pushed for a 30-month prison term, while the prosecution argued for a more substantial sentence. In addition to his federal charges, Edson also faced state charges in Chittenden County related to the incident and his time on the run, resulting in an additional 18-month sentence to run concurrently. Furthermore, he still faces charges in Lamoille County for attempting to evade law enforcement.
Despite his lengthy criminal record, including past convictions for grand larceny and eluding police, Edson is now serving his latest sentences at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans. This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminal behavior and the persistence of law enforcement in bringing offenders to justice.
