Maine Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Methamphetamine Distribution

CONCORD – A massive methamphetamine distribution conspiracy has been dealt a major blow in New Hampshire, with a Maine man receiving a 72-month prison sentence for his role in the operation.

Brian Strout, 46, of Turner, Maine, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Strout’s co-defendant, Tara Christian, was sentenced on March 14, 2024.

Strout’s crimes were uncovered after investigators received information that he and his spouse were obtaining a supply of methamphetamine at a casino in Everett, Massachusetts, for distribution in New Hampshire. Surveillance at the casino led to the discovery of 2.7 kilograms of methamphetamine in Strout’s vehicle.

A further investigation revealed that a FedEx package containing 11.2 kilograms of pure methamphetamine was enroute to the defendant in Maine. Agents located and searched the package, seizing the additional methamphetamine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation, with valuable assistance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, New Hampshire State Police, Maine State Police, and Everett (Massachusetts) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes prosecuted the case.

“The sheer quantity of methamphetamine in this case is staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Those who use New Hampshire as a pass-through while enroute to traffic dangerous drugs to other states will be apprehended at our border and prosecuted in federal court.”

“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen P. Belleau. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Strout accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England.”