Franklin Man Sentenced to 96 Months for Distribution of Drugs and Firearm Offenses

            CONCORD - Jake Laurence Mason, 28, of Franklin, was sentenced on Monday to 96 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and July 2020, Franklin police were investigating Mason’s suspected drug distribution activities. Based on evidence gathered throughout the investigation, officers executed a search warrant on August 7, 2020.  Mason was arrested at the scene when officers located suspected drugs in plain view on a table in front of Mason.  A further search of the property revealed a loaded handgun stuffed in the couch cushions next to Mason.  A backpack was located containing items associated with drug distribution as well as a cell phone, ledger $1,200 in cash and drugs packaged in various containers.  Inside a locked closet, officers located a shotgun, handgun and AK-47 rifle as well as ammunition.  Safes in the closet contained more items associated with drug distribution, $1,600 in cash and suspected drugs in various containers.  Over 49 grams of methamphetamine and over 65 grams of fentanyl were located during the search.

           “Armed drug traffickers like Mr. Mason present a significant risk to the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While distributing drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl endangers the community, that danger is even greater when drug dealers possess multiple firearms.  In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to seek substantial prison sentences for the armed drug dealers who threaten public safety in our local communities.”

           “DEA and our state and local counterparts will do everything in our power to bring to justice those who distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Mason accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning that DEA and its local and state partners will work diligently to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”

            This matter was investigated by Franklin Police Department with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department, Andover Police Department, Tilton Police Department and Northfield Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

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