James M. Nesbitt, Drug Trafficking, New Hampshire 2020

Rochester Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking

A 44-year-old man from Rochester, New Hampshire, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

James M. Nesbitt was sentenced on Friday to 120 months in federal prison, as announced by United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Nesbitt conspired with two other individuals to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl and crystal "ice" methamphetamine.

On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a vehicle stop of Nesbitt's vehicle and seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs. Later the same evening, the NHSP and the DEA searched Nesbitt's hotel room in Ossipee and seized approximately 171 grams of methamphetamine, smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics, and a semi-automatic handgun.

Nesbitt previously pleaded guilty on March 6, 2020. His co-conspirators, Haley Hansler and William McKay, both have pleaded guilty. Hansler was sentenced to 60 months on April 28, 2020, and McKay is awaiting sentencing.

"Armed drug traffickers are a menace to everyone," said U.S. Attorney Murray. "The hazards posed by drug dealers are greatly enhanced when they carry guns while selling their dangerous wares. In order to keep the Granite State safe, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the armed drug dealers who jeopardize the health and safety of our citizens."

This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice's drug reduction strategy.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/rochester-man-sentenced-120-months-drug-trafficking-and-gun-offenses