Northfield Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Carfentanil Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

            CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Justin Gauthier, 39, formerly of Northfield, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to charges that he unlawfully possessed methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil with the intent to distribute and that he unlawfully possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

Court documents and statements in court showed that law enforcement officers executed two search warrants on Gauthier’s Northwood residence. During the first search on August 5, 2016, law enforcement officers seized quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, multiple firearms, and $13,980 in cash.  During the second search on March 10, 2017, quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, carfentanil, multiple firearms, and $6,791 in cash were seized.

“Guns and drugs are a deadly combination and those who use guns as part of the drug trade present a substantial threat to our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This case is particularly notable because the defendant was distributing carfentanil.  Carfentanil is far more powerful than fentanyl and presents a serious public safety concern.  In order to protect the public, we will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who seek to profit from the distribution of carfentanil and other deadly substances.”

"ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement counterparts, to aggressively combat drug traffickers and the threat they pose to our citizens by illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of their illegal drug trade," said Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge, ATF  Boston Field Division.

Gauthier’s sentencing is scheduled for March 27, 2018. 

            This case is being investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tilton and Northfield, New Hampshire Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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