Rida Kori, a 24-year-old Burlington High School graduate and former Ward 1 representative on the Burlington School Board, has resigned after being arrested in Massachusetts on charges of fentanyl trafficking. Kori, who ran unopposed for his seat and attended his first board meeting in April, faces a felony drug charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
Kori pleaded not guilty to the charge on September 17, and his attorney, Kedar K. Ismail, has stated that Kori denies the allegations and intends to clear his name. Kori’s arrest stems from an investigation by Massachusetts law enforcement, who had been monitoring his activities since July. He was apprehended on September 16 after officers found 86 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl in his vehicle during a traffic stop.
This incident follows the federal prosecution of Kori’s twin brother, Ramzi, who was convicted in Vermont for drug possession and distribution, as well as illegal firearm possession. Despite their troubled legal pasts, both brothers were once well-regarded in the Burlington community, with strong academic and athletic backgrounds. Several community leaders, including Clare Wool, the school board chair, provided character references for Ramzi during his sentencing in 2022.
In light of Rida Kori’s resignation, the Burlington School Board has yet to determine how they will fill the now-vacant Ward 1 seat.
