CONCORD - Haley Hansler, 33, of Rochester, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Hansler conspired with two other individuals to traffic in methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Rochester area. On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle operated by Hansler and seized approximately 58 grams of heroin and smaller quantities of crystal “ice” methamphetamine and other narcotics.  Later the same evening, members of the NHSP and the DEA searched Hansler’s hotel room in Ossipee, New Hampshire and seized approximately 171 grams of crystal “ice” methamphetamine and smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics. Law enforcement also seized a semi-automatic handgun from Hansler’s purse.  On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Hansler and co-conspirator James Nesbitt at their Rochester residence and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, four firearms, and ammunition.            

            Hansler previously pleaded guilty on January 21, 2020.  Nesbitt pleaded guilty to the charges on March 6, 2020, and is awaiting sentencing.

            “Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect public safety, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the armed drug dealers who endanger our communities. When drug traffickers use or possess firearms, they should understand that they will be prosecuted in federal court and receive substantial prison sentences.”

             “DEA is committed to bring to justice poly-drug traffickers like Ms. Hansler,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

              This investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. 

             This case was investigated by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad; the New Hampshire State Police; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the Strafford County Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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          CONCORD - Haley Hansler, 33, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Hansler conspired with two other individuals to possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.  On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) conducted a vehicle stop of a vehicle driven by Hansler and seized approximately 58 grams of heroin and smaller quantities of crystal “ice” methamphetamine and other narcotics.  Later the same evening, members of the NHSP and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) searched Hansler’s hotel room in Ossipee, New Hampshire and seized approximately 171 grams of crystal “ice” methamphetamine and smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics and Hansler’s semi-automatic handgun.  On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Hansler and a co-conspirator at their Rochester residence and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, as well as four firearms and ammunition.          

          Hansler is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2020.

          “Fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine are lethal drugs that have caused serious harm to the people of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The danger of drug trafficking is further enhanced when drug dealers are outfitted with firearms. The brave law enforcement officers who confront them deserve every protection the law can provide.  Accordingly, we are committed to vigorously prosecuting traffickers who choose to possess firearms in furtherance of their drug trade.” 

          This investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. 

          This case was investigated by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad; the New Hampshire State Police; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the Strafford County Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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          CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that 15 individuals were arrested on federal drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The arrests are the culmination of a year-long investigation into drug trafficking in and around the Rochester, Farmington, Somersworth, and Dover areas of New Hampshire by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in coordination with federal, state and local authorities in New Hampshire and Maine.  The following individuals were arrested and charged as follows: 

Thomas Blanchette, 42, Rochester, NH - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; 

 

Christopher Stearns, 46, Rochester, NH  - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl;

 

Amy Patch, 37, Rochester, NH - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl;

 

Nicholas Barton, 34, Rochester, NH - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl;

 

Randy Stevens, 28, Farmington, NH - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl;

 

Kyle Forest, 25, Rochester, NH- conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl;

 

Derek Rand, 30, Farmington, NH,  - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl;

 

Sasha Rand, 33, Farmington, NH  - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl;

 

James Nesbitt, 42, Rochester, NH- conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl and methamphetamine;

 

Haley Hansler, 32, Rochester, NH- conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine;

 

William McKay, 45, Rochester, NH- conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine;

 

Angel Wilson, 33, Rochester, NH – possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute;

 

Stephanie Joy, 42, Rochester, NH - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl;

 

Joshua George, 37, Somersworth, NH  - conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl; and

 

Dean Smoronk, 57, Farmington, NH – possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a stolen firearm.

 

          Most of the defendants were arrested on Thursday, December 20, 2018, and appeared in court that day.  Joshua George first appeared in federal court on November 9, 2018.

          “This coordinated sweep serves notice once again of law enforcement’s determination to disrupt the sale of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs in New Hampshire” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Drug trafficking has caused grave damage in Strafford County and throughout our state.  Accordingly, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to arrest and prosecute those responsible.   In order to keep the public safe from violent crime, we will also aggressively target those who unlawfully possess firearms.  These prosecutions are an example of how federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies can work together to keep the Granite State safe.”

          “The arrests today reflect DEA’s strong commitment to bring to justice those who distribute these dangerous drugs to our citizens,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “As we all know, drug trafficking, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, ravages the very foundation of our families and communities.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

          “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our federal and state law enforcement partners, are committed to providing the resources necessary to combat drug trafficking in our communities,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Inspector in Charge, Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division. “These arrests should send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated.  Fentanyl, and other highly addictive drugs, are destroying families across the country. U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to work diligently to rid the U.S. Mail of illegal drugs and their proceeds.

          This investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. 

          These cases were investigated by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad; the New Hampshire State Police; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the United States Marshals Service; the Strafford County Drug Task Force; the Maine State Police; and the Dover (NH) Police Department. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Anna Dronzek.

          The charges are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

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