NH Man Gets Nearly 9 Years In Jail For Drug Trafficking And Guns

CONCORD, NH — A New Hampshire man is being sent to prison for nearly nine years after being sentenced today on drug and gun charges, according to the U.S. District Court. Justin Gauthier, 39, of Northfield, was sentenced on March 27, 2018, to 106 months in jail for drug trafficking and firearm crimes. Twice – in August 2016, and again in March 2017 – Gauthier was busted by law enforcement.

In the first search warrant of his home, police found methamphetamine, fentanyl, multiple firearms, and nearly $14,000 in cash. A second search was performed about nine months later and again, law enforcement found meth, fentanyl, carfentanil, more firearms, and more than $6,700 in cash.

Gauthier pleaded guilty in December 2017, to possession of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil with the intent to distribute and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. As part of the plea agreement, he forfeited 11 guns and more than $20,000 in cash.

“Guns and drugs are a deadly combination and those who use guns as part of the drug trade present a substantial threat to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Murray, in a press statement. “The defendant’s conduct in this case was especially troubling due to his involvement in distributing carfentanil, an extremely dangerous and deadly drug. In order to protect the public, we will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, disarm, and prosecute those who seek to profit from the sales of illegal drugs.”

Image via police file photo.