​NH Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl

CONCORD, NH — Jeannette Hardy, 25, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, according to U.S. Attorney Emily Gray Rice on Oct. 4, 2016. According to an offer of proof made by the United States at the hearing, the Manchester Police responded to a residence in Manchester on June 22, 2015, after receiving a report of gun shots.

Police found the defendant at a convenience store nearby. She had a gunshot wound to her hand and finger, according to a press statement. The police searched the residence and found 1.783 kilograms of fentanyl and $198,542 dollars in United States currency. Subsequent searches uncovered $560,050 in a safe deposit box and $7,000 in a storage unit.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 27, 2017, at the United States District Court. The defendant faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“Prosecuting those individuals who introduce fentanyl and heroin into New Hampshire is a priority of my office,” stated Rice. “This case is an example of a very successful collaboration between local and federal law enforcement working together. I commend the Manchester Police Department and the DEA for their tireless efforts and cooperation on this case.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department.

“Opiate abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire and throughout New England,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Fentanyl and heroin are causing overdose deaths across the Granite State, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue trafficking organizations or individuals who distribute these poisons to areas of New Hampshire in order to profit and destroy people’s lives, and wreak havoc in our communities. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners."