Somersworth Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution
CONCORD, N.H. – A Somersworth man has been sentenced in federal court for possessing 100 grams of fentanyl for distribution, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Antoine Valentin, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 96 months in federal prison and 4 years of supervised release. Valentin previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
“Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who deal in lethal drugs like fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This defendant was preparing to distribute this deadly substance, putting lives at risk. Our office will continue supporting our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in drug interdiction efforts to prevent these deadly drugs from reaching our streets, and to hold accountable those who seek to profit from poisoning the public and devastating New Hampshire communities.”
“Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Those who distribute fentanyl are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Granite State. The men and women of the DEA will continue to work each day alongside our local, state, and federal partners to identify those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”
“The Dover Police Department is proud to have participated in this collaborative investigative effort with local and federal law enforcement to help remove these dangerous drugs from our communities. We believe that this substantial sentence is appropriate to hold Antoine Valentin accountable for his criminal conduct,” said Chief David Terlemezian, Dover Police Department.
On November 1, 2022, law enforcement authorities arrested Valentin at his Somersworth residence on a state assault charge, which led to the seizure of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and drug proceeds totaling $1,300 in United States currency.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Somersworth Police Department led the investigation. The Dover Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Hampton Police Department, Seabrook Police Department, Rochester Police Department, University of New Hampshire Police Department, and the York, Maine, Police Department, provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
