Armed Cocaine Dealer Gets Less Than 4 Years In Prison

CONCORD, NH — An armed cocaine dealer from Auburn received a 42-month federal prison sentence on drug trafficking and firearm offenses, according to the U.S. District Court. Joshua Simard, 31, of Auburn, was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty in June. Back in July 2018, police encountered Simard in a Bedford hotel and later, seized two backpacks from him.

The backpacks contained a handgun, ammunition, more than 150 grams of cocaine, digital scales, a suspected drug ledger, more than $6,000 in cash, and other items, according to investigators.

DEA Special Agent In Charge Brian Boyle said the sentence held Simard accountable for his crimes and also served as a warning to other drug dealers that the DEA as well as law enforcement would do everything to bring them to justice.

"Possessing or using a gun during a drug deal is a guaranteed ticket to federal prison," added U.S. Attorney Scott Murray. "Armed drug dealers present a substantial threat to the safety of our communities. In order to maintain public safety, we will aggressively prosecute drug dealers who carry firearms."

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