CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Furber, 46, formerly of Rochester, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for possessing quantities of fentanyl and carfentanil with intent to distribute.
Court documents and statements made in court showed that during a vehicle stop in Rochester on March 29, 2017, Furber was found in possession of nearly 10 grams of fentanyl. On April 26, 2017, officers encountered Furber at a hotel in Rochester where he was found with over nine grams of fentanyl and over 28 grams of carfentanil, as well as over $2,000 in cash. On May 24, 2017, Furber was arrested by the United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force at an apartment in North Conway, New Hampshire. An additional quantity of fentanyl was recovered from the defendant at that time.
Furber pleaded guilty to the charges on Feb. 13, 2018. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Furber will forfeit $2,105 in drug proceeds to the United States.
“Those who distribute deadly opioids are jeopardizing the safety of our communities and threatening lives," said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Carfentanil and fentanyl have already caused tremendous damage to the Granite State. In order to protect public safety, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who sell these dangerous substances."
“The state of New Hampshire is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Furber who distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners."
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, and the Rochester and Conway Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
