Man Pleads Guilty to Drug, Gun Charges

Rosaire R. Gauthier, 39, of Hooksett, pleaded guilty in United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and 15 counts of distribution of a controlled substance announced Acting United States Attorney Donald Feith on Oct. 9, 2015.

Under the terms of the plea agreement with the United States, Gauthier agreed to a sentencing range of 108 months to 168 months and to forfeit $18,190 in cash.

Information provided to the court during the change of plea hearing established that from April 16, 2011 through Feb. 1, 2012, Gauthier distributed oxycodone and, in some instances, oxycodone and cocaine during controlled purchases conducted by the Manchester Police Department. In total, Gauthier delivered 575 oxycodone pills and 5.92 grams of cocaine. Gauthier was indicted on 15 counts of distribution of a controlled substance on April 16, 2014. On Aug. 25, 2014, the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) executed an arrest warrant for Gauthier at his residence located in Hooksett. During the execution of the warrant the United States Marshals observed firearms in plain view, including a silver double barrel shotgun and a Derringer pistol.

Officers with the Hooksett Police Department then applied for and were granted a search warrant for the defendant’s residence where they recovered a North American Arms, Model NAA22, .22 caliber revolver, an E.R. Amantino, Stoeger Coach Gun, 12 Gauge Shotgun, a Sig Sauer, Model P938, 9 mm caliber pistol, a Charter Arms Shelton, CT, Model Bull Dog, .44 caliber revolver, and a Feather Industries, Model AT22, .22 caliber rifle, ammunition, body armor, prescription drugs, approximately 20 grams of marijuana, approximately 65 grams of cocaine and $18,190.

Gauthier was subsequently charged with the firearms and possession with intent to distribute offenses. Gauthier was previously convicted of possession with intent to sell a controlled drug, a crime punishable by more than one (1) year imprisonment, thus making Gauthier a person prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Gauthier is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2016. He was detained pending sentencing. The case was investigated by the Hooksett Police Department, Manchester Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the United States Marshal’s Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.

File photo courtesy of Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photography frameofmindphoto.com.