Northfield Man Sentenced to 106 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Justin Gauthier, 39, formerly of Northfield, was sentenced to serve 106 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms crimes.

            According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed two search warrants on Gauthier’s Northfield 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, additional firearms, and $6,791 in cash were seized.

            Gauthier previously pleaded guilty on December 15, 2017, 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.  As part of his plea agreement, Gauthier forfeited 11 firearms to the United States.  Over $20,000 in cash seized from Gauthier previously was forfeited by the State of New Hampshire.

            “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 U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The defendant’s conduct in this case was especially troubling due to his involvement in distributing carfentanil, an extremely dangerous and deadly drug.  In order to protect the public, we will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, disarm, and prosecute those who seek to profit from the sales of illegal drugs.”

            This case was 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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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