CONCORD, N.H. – Kenneth Chapman, 62, formerly of Kingston, New Hampshire, has admitted to peddling the poison that killed a man, according to Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley. Chapman pleaded guilty today to unlawful distribution of fentanyl, a charge stemming from a deal gone fatally wrong.
The deal went down on June 12, 2016. Chapman sold a quantity of fentanyl to M.W., a 31-year-old man from Atkinson, New Hampshire. The next morning, emergency responders found M.W. lifeless at his residence, a victim of a suspected drug overdose. A tied-off plastic bag containing white powder – later confirmed to be fentanyl – was discovered near the body, a grim testament to Chapman’s trade.
An autopsy delivered the brutal truth: M.W.’s death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication. Chapman’s actions directly led to the loss of a life, a stark illustration of the deadly consequences of the fentanyl crisis gripping New Hampshire. This wasn’t a mistake; it was a transaction with fatal repercussions.
Chapman is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28, 2017. The plea agreement includes a recommendation for a prison sentence of ninety-six (96) to one hundred and forty-four (144) months – eight to twelve years – though the judge isn’t bound by that suggestion. The court will determine the final penalty, but Chapman will face a significant stretch behind bars if the recommendation is accepted.
“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire,” stated Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “Fentanyl is causing overdose deaths across the Granite State, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.” The DEA, along with local and state law enforcement, brought the case to light.
Acting United States Attorney Farley minced no words: “Fentanyl continues to be the cause of far too many deaths in the Granite State. While we support access to treatment for those who suffer from addiction, those who distribute these deadly drugs need to be held accountable for the substantial damage they are causing in our community.” The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Kingston and Atkinson Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case. Chapman’s fate now rests with the court, but his guilt is undeniable.
Related Federal Cases
- Feliz Aybar Admits Fentanyl Role in Deadly Trafficking Ring · Massachusetts
- Laconia Man Gets 3 Years+ for Deadly Fentanyl Run · Massachusetts
- DEA Targets Fentanyl Crisis in Manchester, NH · New Hampshire
- DEA Launches ‘360 Strategy’ in Manchester to Crush Fentanyl Networks · New Hampshire
- Manchester Man Zakee Stuart-Holt Gets 210 Months for Fentanyl, Heroin Ring · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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