Portsmouth Felon Sentenced to Up to 15 Years for Firearm Possession

CONCORD – In a shocking display of brazen disregard for the law, Joshua Linane, 42, of Portsmouth, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces that Linane, a convicted felon, sold a Ruger Speed-Six .357 Magnum revolver to a confidential source on October 14, 2022. This heinous act landed him in hot water, as he is now facing the music for his reckless decision.

Linane’s plea comes after a thorough investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 15 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty has scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2024. This serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of breaking the law are severe and far-reaching.

As part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, this case aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence, making our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to foster trust and legitimacy, support community-based organizations, set focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measure the results.

The reckless actions of individuals like Linane pose a significant threat to public safety, and it is the duty of law enforcement to hold them accountable. This case serves as a warning to those who would disregard the law and put innocent lives at risk.