United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CONCORD, N.H. – Craig Pearson, 43, of Manchester, has been sentenced in federal court for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking and firearm offenses, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Pearson was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 80 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  Pearson previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who seek to inject highly addictive and lethal drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.  “Drug traffickers who arm themselves are not simply dealers, they are a compounded threat to public safety.  Our office will continue to support drug interdiction efforts to prevent these deadly drugs from reaching our streets and will hold accountable traffickers who endanger our communities, whether through the poison they sell or the firearms they carry to protect it.”

“Today’s significant sentence demonstrates the serious consequences awaiting those who choose to traffic deadly drugs and illegally possess firearms in furtherance of their criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Methamphetamine and fentanyl continue to devastate families and communities across New Hampshire and throughout New England, and the DEA remains committed to identifying, investigating, and dismantling the organizations responsible for distributing these dangerous substances. This case is the direct result of strong collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners working together to protect public safety and hold violent drug traffickers accountable.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late June and early July 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized a total of more than 600 grams of methamphetamine during two separate controlled purchase operations involving Pearson.  As a result, on July 7, 2022, DEA arrested Pearson, searched a hotel room he rented, and seized an additional 400 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of fentanyl, and a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle.  

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting 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.