Weare Resident Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearms

            CONCORD, N.H. -   Jody Swett, 38, of Weare, New Hampshire, has been sentenced to an 18- month term of imprisonment for possessing multiple firearms and ammunition following convictions for crimes of domestic violence, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to court records, on April 30, 2015, Swett pleaded guilty to a crime that involved domestic violence in Nashua District Court.  On October 14, 2016, Swett pleaded guilty in the same court to another crime that involved domestic violence.  As a result of the convictions, it was unlawful under federal law for Swett possess firearms and ammunition.

            Nevertheless, in a private transaction that occurred in Manchester in July 2016, Swett bought a Ruger pistol for $375.  In another private transaction that occurred in Hillsborough in October 2016, Swett bought a shotgun for $250 and a bulletproof vest. Additionally, during a search of Swett’s residence in Weare on February 10, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized two .22 caliber rifles, a 9 millimeter pistol, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.

            On July 17, 2017, Swett pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing firearms following a conviction for a crime of domestic violence.  After serving his sentence, Swett will be on supervised release for a period of 3 years.  The firearms and ammunition were forfeited to the United States.

            “It is vital to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals who present a risk of violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who have committed acts of domestic violence are prohibited from possessing guns.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who possess firearms unlawfully and to protect the safety of the community.”

            “This case is a testament to the priority we place on addressing violent crimes to keep our communities safe. Mr. Swett's actions in illegally possessing firearms shortly after his convictions for domestic crimes is a clear violation of the law,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI), Boston Division.  “The FBI will continue to collaborate with the ATF to prevent gun offenses and protect the public from dangerous criminals.” 

            The FBI and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella prosecuted the case.

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