Ashland Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Allard, 33, formerly of Ashland, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2017, Mr. Allard conspired with his wife and co-defendant, Stephanie Allard, to engage in fentanyl trafficking.  On May 19, 2017, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers arranged a fentanyl purchase with Stephanie Allard, then travelled to her residence in Ashland, where Mr. Allard sold fentanyl to the cooperating individual.

            Mr. Allard previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of distribution of fentanyl, on June 4, 2018.

            Stephanie Allard also pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges on June 4, 2018, and she will be sentenced on September 25, 2018.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has caused grave damage to our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute this dangerous substance.  Drug traffickers who choose to sell opioids in New Hampshire should understand that they will face substantial prison sentences for their unlawful conduct.”        

               "Disrupting drug trafficking organizations like this one is a critical part of our mission," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  "Fentanyl is a huge problem here in New Hampshire and our Safe Streets Gang Task Force is working very hard to take dangerous drugs off of our streets, along with the people who peddle them. This case is another great example of law enforcement working together to combat the opioid crisis and make our communities safer." 

            This matter was investigated by the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force.  The Task Force is comprised of the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Probation and Parole, and the police departments of Hudson, Manchester, and Nashua.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

###