White River Junction Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun, Fentanyl Possession

CONCORD – The grim streets of White River Junction were hit with a jarring blow this week as Hallet Merrick, 34, faced the music in federal court for his brazen act of illegal firearm and fentanyl possession.

Merrick, a man with a checkered past, was caught red-handed on November 20, 2019, when Lebanon Police officers apprehended him on an outstanding warrant. During their thorough search of Merrick, the officers stumbled upon a dangerous cache: around six grams of pure fentanyl, a potent opioid, and a handgun nestled in his sweatshirt pocket.

Despite being a convicted felon, Merrick’s claim that the drugs were for personal use fell flat. He was already barred from owning firearms due to his criminal history, yet he thought he could slip through the cracks with this deadly stash.

The Lebanon Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joined forces to investigate this high-stakes case, resulting in Merrick’s arraignment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth is now tasked with prosecuting this matter.

U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray stood firm on the importance of the law, stating, ‘Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms.’ He emphasized the ongoing collaboration between ATF and local law enforcement agencies to keep the streets safe from violent crime.

Merrick’s sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2020, a date that will likely mark the end of his latest run-in with justice.