Hooksett Man Pleads Guilty To Drug And Firearm Charges

          CONCORD, N.H. – Rosaire R. Gauthier, 39, of Hooksett, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and 15 counts of distribution of a controlled substance announced Acting United States Attorney Donald Feith.  Under the terms of the plea agreement with the United States, Gauthier agreed to a sentencing range of 108 months to 168 months and to forfeit $18,190 in cash.

          Information provided to the court during the change of plea hearing established that from April 16, 2011 through February 1, 2012, Gauthier distributed oxycodone and, in some instances, oxycodone and cocaine during controlled purchases conducted by the Manchester Police Department.  In total Gauthier delivered 575 oxycodone pills and 5.92 grams of cocaine.  Gauthier was indicted on 15 counts of distribution of a controlled substance on April 16, 2014.

          On August 25, 2014, the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) executed an arrest warrant for Gauthier at his residence located in Hooksett, New Hampshire.  During the execution of the warrant the United States Marshals observed firearms in plain view, including a silver double-barrel shotgun and a Derringer pistol.  Officers with the Hooksett Police Department then applied for and were granted a search warrant for the defendant’s residence where they recovered a North American Arms, Model NAA22, .22 caliber revolver, an E.R. Amantino, Stoeger Coach Gun, 12 Gauge Shotgun, a Sig Sauer, Model P938, 9mm caliber pistol, a Charter Arms Shelton, CT, Model Bull Dog, .44 caliber revolver, and a Feather Industries, Model AT22, .22 caliber rifle, ammunition, body armor, prescription drugs, approximately 20 grams of marijuana, approximately 65 grams of cocaine and $18,190.00.  Gauthier was subsequently charged with the firearms and possession with intent to distribute offenses.

          Gauthier was previously convicted of possession with intent to sell a controlled drug, a crime punishable by more than one (1) year imprisonment, thus making Gauthier a person prohibited from possessing a firearm.

          Gauthier faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.  Gauthier is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28, 2016.  He was detained pending sentencing.

          The case was investigated by the Hooksett Police Department, Manchester Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the United States Marshal’s Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.