Tilton Man Convicted of Methamphetamine Trafficking

            CONCORD, N.H. – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that a federal jury found Stefan Gauthier, 34, of Tilton, guilty of two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute after a three-day trial.

            According to evidence presented during the trial, on November 1, 2018, Tilton police arrested Gauthier for driving after suspension of his license.  During a search of his person, police located a baggie containing a small amount of methamphetamine and $1375 in cash.  Police executed a search warrant for Gauthier’s vehicle.  Inside the vehicle, they found a handgun and a backpack that contained more than 350 grams of crystal methamphetamine, $1,500 in cash, a digital scale, ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia. 

            On December 2, 2018, while a warrant was pending for Gauthier’s arrest, Franklin police responded to a report of a man unconscious at the wheel of a vehicle.  After determining that the man was Gauthier, the police arrested him and transported him to a hospital.  Police then obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found four clear plastic baggies containing more than 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine.  Police also found a scale, baggies, needles, and three mobile phones.    

            The jury also acquitted Gauthier of firearms charges related to the November 1, 2018, incident.

            Gauthier is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2021.

            “Methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous drug that poses a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “I am grateful for the hard work of the Tilton and Franklin Police Departments and our other law enforcement partners.  Their efforts have brought a dangerous drug trafficker to justice.”

             This matter was investigated by the Tilton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, the Alexandria Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

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