Nine Indicted On Cocaine Charges In Statewide Drug Investigation

CONCORD - A year-long investigation into drug trafficking in the state has led to nine indictments for conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, cocaine and crack cocaine.

United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced the indictments are the culmination of an investigation by the FBI in coordination with federal, state, and local authorities in New Hampshire.

On March 6, George Cruz, 30, of Nashua, Lawrence Fortenberry, 65, of Nashua, William Greenleaf, 42, of Nashua, Donald Johnson, 34, of Nashua, Isaiah Kinard, 29, of Manchester, Marvin Morrison, 36, of Nashua, Terray Morrison, 30, of Nashua, Melvin Nooks Jr., 28, of Fitchburg, and Melvin Stanford, 40, of Manchester, were all charged with the crimes.

If convicted, Morrison, Stanford, Cruz, and Nooks Jr. face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life, as well as a fine of up to $10 million. The other defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

“Drug traffickers endanger the health and safety of our communities,” said Murray in a statement. “The arrest and prosecution of drug traffickers is a top priority for this office. We are working closely with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners to stop the distribution of drugs in order to protect the citizens of the Granite State.”

“As alleged, these individuals distributed crack cocaine in New Hampshire for several years and disrupting drug trafficking organizations like this one is a critical part of our mission. The FBI will continue to focus our energy, and expertise to help our law enforcement partners stem the tide of drugs flooding our streets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Nashua Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Manchester Police Department, New Hampshire Probation and Parole, Drug Enforcement Agency, Massachusetts State Police Department; Portsmouth Police Department and the Federal Protective Service.