Joshua McLean, Unlawful Possession of Firearms, New Hampshire 2025

Laconia Man Gets 87 Months for Firearms Crimes

A Laconia man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for firearms offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announced.

JOSHUA MCLEAN, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 87 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In March 2025, McLean pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of firearms and ammunitions by a prohibited person and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

McLean was found to have sold six firearms to an undercover officer, knowing that some had obliterated serial numbers, and one was a sawed-off shotgun. When law enforcement searched his home, they found another gun, ammunition, and distribution quantities of illegal drugs.

“As a convicted felon, the defendant was prohibited from owning any firearms, yet he chose to surround himself with unregistered and illegal deadly weapons,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “His drug trafficking activity only deepened the threat he posed. This case underscores our commitment to removing armed, prohibited individuals from our communities before they can do greater harm.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Violent Crime Task Force led the investigation, with the Laconia, Manchester, and Tilton Police Departments providing valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.

McLean was legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based on a previous felony drug conviction. His possession of firearms while trafficking drugs jeopardized public safety and is compounded by the trafficking of firearms with obliterated serial numbers, which only serve illicit purposes, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

McLean’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense, with the defendant facing significant time behind bars for his crimes. The case sends a strong message that individuals who choose to engage in firearms trafficking and drug distribution will be held accountable for their actions.

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