Crystal Hardy, Christopher Kelly, Methamphetamine Trafficking, New Hampshire 2021

A federal jury in New Hampshire has found a Laconia couple guilty of participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.

Crystal Hardy, 38, and Christopher Kelly, 43, were convicted on Friday, March 5, 2021, of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Kelly was also found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The evidence presented during the trial revealed that on April 5, 2019, members of the Tilton Police Department stopped Hardy for a motor vehicle violation, with Kelly as a passenger. A search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, two loaded firearms, over $28,000 in cash, a digital scale, measuring tools, a pouch full of plastic baggies, and a drug ledger.

The investigation showed that Hardy and Kelly regularly distributed methamphetamine throughout 2019 and had no legitimate income to explain the large sum of money found in the vehicle. The two loaded firearms were discovered in a backpack that also contained a large bullet-proof vest, a baton, mail addressed to Kelly, and three prescription bottles in Kelly's name.

As a convicted felon, Kelly is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Crystal Hardy is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2021, while Christopher Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14, 2021.

U.S. Attorney John J. Farley praised the Tilton Police Department and other law enforcement partners for their work on the investigation, stating, 'Methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug that can damage users' bodies and cause havoc in our communities. When armed criminals are involved in drug trafficking, the risk to public safety is even greater.'

The case was investigated by the Tilton Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and United States Marshals Service. New Hampshire Employment Security and the Strafford County Attorney's Office also provided assistance. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Debra Walsh and Aaron Gingrande.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/laconia-couple-convicted-participating-methamphetamine-trafficking-conspiracy