Manchester Duo Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy

Manchester Couple Convicted of Methamphetamine Manufacturing

A Manchester man and woman are facing the consequences of their deadly habit, pleading guilty to charges related to the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Charles Winchell, 41, and Catherine Quinn, 42, were found guilty of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine with a child under the age of 18 present and the possession of equipment, chemicals, products, and material to manufacture methamphetamine.

According to U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young, the duo purchased pseudoephedrine, an over-the-counter medication and the primary ingredient used for the manufacturing of methamphetamine, dozens of times in 2023. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at their Manchester residence and found pseudoephedrine and other ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine present, as well as approximately 6 grams of methamphetamine.

Twelve individuals lived in the home at the time of the raid, including three children under the age of five. This reckless behavior put innocent lives at risk, and the consequences will be severe. Winchell and Quinn’s actions are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of methamphetamine on our communities.

Quinn and Winchell’s guilty pleas come after a thorough investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske is prosecuting the case.

Winchell’s sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2024, while Quinn’s sentencing is set for September 30, 2024. The crime of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine carries a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. For committing this offense with a child under the age of 18 present, the statute provides for a consecutive sentence up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.

The possession of equipment, chemicals, products, and materials to manufacture methamphetamine also carries significant penalties, including no greater than 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and no more than five years of supervised release. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.