United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CONCORD, N.h. – A Manchester man has been sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking offenses, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Davis announces.

Stephen Stangle, 60, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 120 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.  In March 2025, Stangle pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

“The defendant was trafficking a drug that continues to devastate communities across New Hampshire, while in possession of thousands of dollars and multiple baggies prepared for distribution,” said Assistant U.S Attorney Jennifer Davis. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct. Holding individuals accountable for this kind of activity is a necessary step in our ongoing efforts to address the opioid epidemic.”

“Drug trafficking, along with the violence that all too often accompanies it, is a serious threat to the safety and security of our communities,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”

“This sentence reflects the dedication and tireless work of our officers, along with our federal partners,” said Chief Marr of the Manchester Police Department. “Together, we remain committed to holding individuals accountable who threaten the safety of our communities. This case is a strong example of what can be accomplished through law enforcement collaboration in the pursuit of justice.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, Stangle possessed a total of more than kilogram of fentanyl for distribution.  In April 2021, law enforcement searched Stangle’s rented room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manchester and found approximately 333 grams of fentanyl packaged for sale in various small baggies. In April 2022, law enforcement searched Stangle’s rented room at the Even Hotel in Manchester and found approximately 729 grams of fentanyl packaged for sale and $17,963 in proceeds derived from criminal activities.    

The Manchester Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega prosecuted the case. 

This case 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).