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Joseph Taylor, 34, Sentenced to 95 Months for Crack Cocaine Trafficking and Firearms Charges
A Manchester man has been sentenced to 95 months in federal prison for his role in distributing crack cocaine and possessing firearms, ammunition, and a machine gun conversion device, also known as a ‘Switch.’
According to court documents, Joseph Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro for one count of drug distribution, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm – the Switch. Taylor was also sentenced to a consecutive 18 months for violating the conditions of his supervised release in committing these crimes.
‘The defendant, a serial felon, was undeterred by his previous federal convictions and supervised release,’ said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. ‘Taylor’s drug sales coupled with his illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and a Switch has resulted in his incarceration in federal prison for more than 7 years, thus protecting the community from his unrelenting criminal conduct.’
Possession of firearms by convicted felons is inherently dangerous for society, said Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson, ATF Boston Field Division. But that danger increases exponentially when prohibited individuals possess firearms containing switches that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. Within a matter of a few seconds, such firearms can fire multiple rounds with a single squeeze of the trigger.
Taylor sold crack cocaine to an individual cooperating with the Manchester Police Department on three occasions in November 2023 and January 2024. When law enforcement searched Taylor’s residence, they found money used in the controlled buys, four firearms, ammunition, magazines, and other firearm accessories, and a 3D-printed Switch. One of the firearms had previously been reported to the Manchester Police Department as stolen.
Taylor did not register the machine gun conversion device (Switch) on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) as required by the National Firearms Act. Taylor had previously been convicted of four felonies and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. At the time he committed these crimes, Taylor was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation, with valuable assistance provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and John Kennedy prosecuted the case.
Taylor’s sentence serves as a warning to those who engage in similar criminal activity, said officials. ‘Today’s sentence should send a clear message that anyone who possesses a machine gun conversion device will be prosecuted federally and face serious consequences,’ said Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson.
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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