CONCORD, N.H. -United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced that Michael Warner, 30, previously of Bedford, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment today following his sentencing for aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 16, 2020, Bedford Police officers received information that Warner, who was wanted on a parole violation warrant, was staying at the Country Inn & Suites, was selling drugs and was likely armed with a black handgun.
Officers went to the hotel and attempted to arrest Warner on the outstanding warrant. However, he leapt from the back third-floor window in an attempt to flee from the police. Warner was arrested and transported to the hospital for the injuries sustained from jumping out the window.
Officers obtained a warrant to search the hotel room and seized over 370 grams of methamphetamine, over 23 grams of fentanyl, over $9,000, a Mossberg pistol and 28 rounds of ammunition.
“The defendant was not only trafficking poison into our communities for profit, he did so from a hotel where numerous innocent individuals were staying,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The drug trafficking was compounded by the fact that a gun and ammunition was in the hotel room with the drugs and more than $9,000. Today’s sentence sends the clear message that this office will ensure that those who traffic drugs and place members of our communities at risk will pay a significant penalty – being removed from society for years.”
“As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These crimes rob the neighborhoods of safety and hold law abiding citizens of New Hampshire hostage to drug fueled lawlessness. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
In addition to his sentence, the firearm and over $9,000 were administratively forfeited.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bedford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joachim Barth and Anna Krasinski.