Lawrence Man Sentenced On Federal Drug Charges

          CONCORD, N.H. – Leonardo Almonte-Ramirez, 31, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced in United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to 33 months in prison for distributing cocaine, and possessing cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin with the intent to distribute it, announced Acting United States Attorney Donald Feith.

          In May 2013, detectives from the Nashua Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine from the defendant.  During a subsequent search of the vehicle from which that transaction occurred, officers located a sophisticated electronic hidden compartment concealing quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; $2,008 in cash; and the social security card and permanent resident card of Leonardo Almonte-Ramirez.

          This prosecution arose from an investigation by the police departments of Nashua and Hudson, New Hampshire, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Abramson.