Nashua Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking

           CONCORD - Spencer Katsohis, 28, of Nashua, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 3, 2018, Nashua police officers stopped a vehicle after observing several traffic infractions.  Katsohis was the driver and sole occupant of the car. One of the officers observed the top of a small plastic bag protruding from the center console. The officer asked Katsohis about the bag, and Katsohis admitted it contained drugs. During a subsequent search of the car, officers locate an additional larger bag containing just over 15 grams of fentanyl. Katsohis then informed the officers that he had a third bag concealed in his pants. Katsohis admitted that he was distributing fentanyl in the area.

           On January 30, 2019, Nashua officers went to Katsohis’ home to execute a warrant for his arrest for the October offense.  When Katsohis answered the door, officers saw in plain view a white powder, scale, and green pill capsules on the kitchen counter behind him.  It appeared that the powder was being packaged in the capsules.  Katsohis admitted to picking up fentanyl and cocaine in Lawrence, Massachusetts for redistribution in Nashua.  Officers observed and downloaded multiple text conversations on Katsohis’ phone consistent with distribution activities. The seized powder and contents of the capsules contained fentanyl.  

           After Katsohis pleaded guilty and was awaiting sentencing, he was arrested for additional drug-related activity.  On June 17, 2020, Nashua police officers responded to a single car accident in which Katsohis was the driver. During a subsequent search of his person and vehicle, officers discovered approximately 130 grams of fentanyl.  Evidence discovered on Katsohis’ phone showed that he was distributing the drugs.

           Katsohis pleaded guilty to the additional criminal activity on November 17, 2020.

           “Fentanyl trafficking is a menace to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “By bringing quantities of fentanyl from Lawrence to Nashua for distribution, the Defendant made a very dangerous substance available for sale.  Thanks to the work of the Nashua Police Department and Operation SOS, this defendant will be incarcerated for ten years and unable to further endanger the lives of Granite Staters.”

           This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth.

           This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua. 

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