MANCHESTER, NH – A local man is facing a substantial prison sentence after admitting to peddling crack cocaine and stockpiling illegal firearms, including a dangerous device capable of turning a Glock pistol into a fully automatic weapon. Joseph Taylor, 34, pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to a trifecta of charges stemming from a months-long investigation.
According to court documents, Taylor sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Manchester Police Department on three separate occasions in November 2023 and January 2024. The deals weren’t the end of the story. When authorities raided Taylor’s residence, they didn’t just find the cash from the drug sales; they uncovered a small armory. Four firearms, ammunition, magazines, and various firearm accessories were seized.
The haul included a weapon previously reported stolen to the Manchester Police Department, adding another layer to the criminal enterprise. But the most concerning find was a 3D-printed “Glock Switch” – a readily available and increasingly dangerous device that bypasses the safety mechanisms on Glock pistols, converting them into fully automatic machine guns. Taylor failed to register this conversion device with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, a clear violation of federal law.
This wasn’t a first offense. Taylor’s criminal history includes four prior felony convictions, automatically disqualifying him from legally owning firearms or ammunition. Federal prosecutors are now poised to seek a significant prison sentence, citing the seriousness of the offenses and Taylor’s extensive record. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, with crucial support from the Manchester Police Department.
Taylor now faces up to 20 years behind bars on the drug distribution charge, along with a minimum three-year supervised release and a potential $1 million fine. The charge of being a felon in possession carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, while possession of the unregistered firearm could add another 10 years to his sentence. Each charge also carries a potential fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro has scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2024, where he will determine the final punishment based on federal sentencing guidelines.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case, signaling a continued federal commitment to cracking down on gun and drug trafficking in New Hampshire. The ATF’s Boston Field Division led the investigation, highlighting the agency’s focus on dismantling illegal firearms networks and holding repeat offenders accountable. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal firearms and the devastating impact of drug trafficking on communities.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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