Second Manchester Man Charged on Drug Distribution Offenses

CONCORD – A second Manchester man has been charged in connection with the distribution of fentanyl in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

Joseph Goffinet, Jr., 53, was arrested and charged with distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in connection with the sale of fentanyl.  Goffinet, Jr. made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on Friday, August 4, 2023, and was detained. According to the charging documents, on one occasion Goffinet, Jr. conspired with Walter Velez to distribute fentanyl. Velez was charged with the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine on July 26, 2023.

The charges of distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy each provide for a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Department of Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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