United States of America v. John Rivera, Jr.

Concord, New Hampshire criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with drug trafficking and felony possession of a firearm.



John Rivera, Jr., 24, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing fentanyl and crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.



On September 16, 2021, the New Hampshire State Police, working in conjunction with the Manchester Police Department, conducted a traffic stop on Rivera's vehicle in Manchester. During the stop, officers observed a firearm under the driver's seat. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers found approximately 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 19.68 grams of crack cocaine, a stolen firearm, a loaded magazine, loose ammunition, drug packaging materials, and a digital scale. Rivera was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based on a prior felony conviction.



"The defendant was a felon that had lost his right to carry firearms and ammunition, and even worse, he illegally possessed a stolen gun while also in the possession of dangerous narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. "This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to thwart efforts to distribute drugs, which often includes enforcing the laws that keep the tools of the trade, like guns, out of drug dealer's hands.”



"I am very encouraged by this sentence,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. "John Rivera, Jr represents the dangerous offenders we are targeting in Manchester. Drug sales and associated gun violence are a top priority for this agency. I would like to commend the Manchester detectives and our law enforcement partners on their commitment to this case. The positive outcome is a testament to their hard work.”



This investigation was led by the Manchester Police Department and the New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis prosecuted the case.



21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C) - Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances

(1s)

18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) - Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

(2s)

11/13/2023 ENDORSED ORDER as to John Rivera reviewing 36 Sentencing Memorandum, 42 Sentencing Memorandum. Text of Order: Reviewed. So Ordered by Judge Joseph N. Laplante. (jb) (Entered: 11/13/2023)

11/13/2023 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Joseph N. Laplante: SENTENCING held on 11/13/2023 for John Rivera (1) Sentenced on Count 1s,2s. Fine waived due to inability to pay. Appeal rights to defendant. Court granted oral motion by government to dismiss counts 1-3 of the Indictment. Entry of judgment deferred. (Court Reporter: Brenda Hancock) (Govt Atty: Jennifer C. Davis) (Defts Atty: Richard F. Monteith, Jr.) (USP: Laura Roffo)(Total Hearing Time: 23 minutes) (jb) (Entered: 11/13/2023)

11/13/2023 43 ACKNOWLEDGMENT of Sentencing Options by John Rivera. (jb) (Entered: 11/13/2023)



Defendant was sentenced to 96 months in prison.