Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 2055

A person who, with intent to deceive, negotiates or transfers for value a bill of lading knowing that any or all of the goods that by the terms of the bill of lading appear to have been received for transportation by the carrier that issued the bill of lading, are not in the possession or control of the carrier or of a connecting carrier, without disclosing this fact, shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both.