Leader of a Keene-Based Crack Cocaine Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison

CONCORD – A Vermont man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Lamar Carter, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 70 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On December 19, 2023, Carter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

“The defendant admitted to leading a drug distribution organization that sold crack cocaine in Keene. After law enforcement searched the location used as a hub of operation, seizing a firearm, he was undeterred and continued to operate his illegal drug trafficking business from various hotel rooms in the Keene area,” U.S. Attorney Jane Young said. “Thanks to the diligent work of our law enforcement partners in Keene and at Homeland Security Investigations, the defendant was arrested and will no longer be able to distribute dangerous drugs that make their way into every community throughout the Granite State.”

“Carter led a group that brought deadly drugs into New Hampshire, exploiting addiction for his own profit. HSI is committed to working with local partners like the Keene Police Department to dismantle drug trafficking networks and make our communities safer,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security in New England.

Carter was a leader of a drug distribution organization that obtained powder cocaine from New Jersey, “cooked” the cocaine to manufacture crack, and distributed the crack in and around Keene, New Hampshire. The organization had several employees who worked for Carter and conducted hand-to-hand drug transactions with customers. The organization operated out of a local resident’s home, as well as several hotel rooms.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Keene Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes prosecuted the case.

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