Kingston Man Sentenced in Connection with Drug Distribution Causing Death

          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Kenneth Chapman (62), formerly of Kingston, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl.

          According to documents that were filed in United States District Court and statements at the sentencing proceeding, on June 12, 2016, Chapman sold a quantity of fentanyl to “M.S.”, a 31-year old male from Atkinson, New Hampshire. Because of a 911 call the following morning, emergency personnel responded to a residence in Atkinson, where they found M.S. dead from a suspected drug overdose. In the immediate vicinity of the body, law enforcement officers found a tied-off plastic bag that contained a white powdery substance that was determined to be fentanyl. An autopsy determined M.S.’ death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication.

          Chapman, who previously pleaded guilty, will be on supervised release for three years after serving his sentence.

          “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Fentanyl is causing overdose deaths across the Granite State, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

          “Fentanyl continues to be the cause of far too many deaths in the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals who sell this deadly drug. The law enforcement cooperation after this overdose death demonstrates our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal level to identify those who distribute deadly doses of drugs. While we support access to treatment for those who suffer from addiction, those who distribute these deadly drugs need to be held accountable for the substantial damage they are causing in our community.”

          This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from Kingston and Atkinson Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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