Shawn Hart, Narcotics and Firearms Offenses, Massachusetts 2024

Shawn Hart, a 45-year-old Methuen man, has been charged with serious narcotics and firearms offenses in Massachusetts.

Hart was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly trafficking counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition, and using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense.

The charges against Hart include distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

According to the charging documents, Hart was identified as a manufacturer and distributor of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances on the North Shore in August 2022. On September 15, 2022, Hart allegedly distributed approximately 500 counterfeit Adderall pills, containing 68 grams of fentanyl, during a controlled purchase in North Billerica. Additionally, on June 1, 2023, Hart allegedly distributed approximately 100 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing suspected fentanyl and a 9mm privately manufactured firearm (commonly known as a “ghost gun”) containing 19 rounds of ammunition during a controlled purchase at his home in Methuen.

Hart is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple previous state felony convictions, including possession with intent to distribute a class A controlled substance in December 2003, armed robbery in June 2004, masked armed robbery, breaking and entering a vehicle at night, and larceny in August 2004, and assault and battery on a correctional institution guard in September 2004.

Hart faces up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release, and a fine of $5 million for the charges of distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. He also faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 for the charge of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The charge of using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense provides for a mandatory five-year sentence to run consecutive to any other sentence.

Hart has remained in custody since his arrest in June 2023. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. Hart is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Related Federal Cases