United States Drug Enforcement Administration

OCT 04 - CONCORD, N.H. - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice announced that Jeannette Hardy, 25, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

According to an offer of proof made by the United States at the hearing, the Manchester Police responded to a residence in Manchester on June 22, 2015 after receiving a report of gun shots.  Police found the defendant at a convenience store nearby.  She had a gunshot wound to her hand and finger.   The police searched the residence and found 1.783 kilograms of fentanyl and $198,542 in United States currency.  Subsequent searches uncovered $560,050 in a safe deposit box and $7,000 in a storage unit.  A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the United States District Court.  The defendant faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“Prosecuting those individuals who introduce fentanyl and heroin into New Hampshire is a priority of my office,” stated United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice. “This case is an example of a very successful collaboration between local and federal law enforcement working together. I commend the Manchester Police Department and the DEA for their tireless efforts and cooperation on this case.”

“Opiate abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire and throughout New England,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “Fentanyl and heroin are causing overdose deaths across the Granite State, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue trafficking organizations or individuals who distribute these poisons to areas of New Hampshire in order to profit and destroy people’s lives, and wreak havoc in our communities.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners."

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department.