CONCORD, N.H. – In a stunning turn of events in the ongoing battle against fentanyl abuse, Derrick Jennings, 48, a former Manchester resident, has pleaded guilty to trafficking the deadly substance. Jennings was already on supervised release for a prior drug crime when he reportedly sold fentanyl on three occasions to an undercover cop.
On April 6, 2016, police intercepted two suspects during a traffic stop, seizing 244.45 grams of fentanyl, packaged and ready for sale. The suspects were linked to Jennings. Later that year, July 18, a search warrant at Jennings’ Manchester apartment uncovered 57.7 grams of fentanyl, a scale, multiple cellphones, and $6,100 in cash, further solidifying his role as a drug runner.
Jennings became a fugitive but was eventually captured in November 2016. The seized cash was forfeited to the U.S. government. Jennings has now pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. His sentencing is scheduled for May 31, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley emphasized the priority of tackling fentanyl trafficking. ‘This defendant sought to profit from selling a deadly drug that is inflicting grave damage on our community,’ he said. The DEA’s Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of holding distributors accountable while ensuring those suffering from addiction have access to treatment.
This case was a collaborative effort by the DEA, Strafford County Drug Task Force, Manchester and Rochester Police Departments, and the United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is handling the prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
- Manchester Drug Kingpin Sentenced for Meth, Fentanyl · New Hampshire
- Haverhill Drug Kingpin Gets 46-Month Sentence for Fentanyl Smuggling · New Hampshire
- Manchester Man Sentenced for Meth, Fentanyl Trafficking · New Hampshire
- Manchester Felon Eddie Veilleux Sentenced to 52 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession · New Hampshire
- Manchester Drug Kingpin Coffey Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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