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Press Release

Manchester Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Illegally Possessing Firearms and Ammunition

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Hampshire

           CONCORD - Adrian Hardin, 27, of Manchester, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 5, 2020, Manchester police officers responded to a domestic violence call and observed Hardin inside the residence.  The caller advised police that Hardin possessed a firearm.  While speaking with the caller, officers observed Hardin walking away from the residence.  Officers followed Hardin and saw him run into a parking garage and exit moments later.  A police dog went through the garage and located a handgun in the area of the garage where an officer had observed Hardin. After his arrest, Hardin agreed to speak to officers and admitted he possessed the firearm.

           On March 18, 2021, Hardin was arrested by Merrimack police officers on a state warrant.  At the time, Hardin was driving a stolen vehicle.  After the vehicle was towed, an employee of the towing company located two loaded firearms in the center console.  Hardin is forbidden from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a previous felony conviction in 2016.    

           Hardin previously pleaded guilty on November 1, 2021.  He will serve his sentence concurrent to a state prison sentence.

           “To protect our community from violent crime, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant’s possession of multiple firearms created a clear risk to public safety.  Thanks to good law enforcement work, this defendant has been held responsible for his unlawful conduct and our community has been protected from potential violence.”

            “The unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon is a violation of federal law that ATF takes very seriously as it threatens the safety of our communities,” said James M. Ferguson ATF Boston Special Agent in Charge.  “This investigation exemplifies ATF’s mission to work with our local and state law enforcement partners to combat the illegal possession of firearms, which in the wrong hands, could be used in crimes of violence against our citizens or law enforcement officers.” 

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manchester Police Department, and the Merrimack Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M Walsh.

            The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes. 

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Updated February 9, 2022

Topic
Firearms Offenses
Press Release Number: 22-024