CONCORD - Hallet Merrick, 34, of White River Junction, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to unlawfully possessing a firearm and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on Nov. 20, 2019, Lebanon Police officers made contact with Merrick and arrested him on a warrant for failing to appear in Grafton County Superior Court. During searches of his person incident to his arrest, officers discovered approximately six grams of fentanyl, which Merrick claimed was for personal use. Officers also discovered a handgun in his sweatshirt pocket. As a convicted felon, Merrick is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Merrick is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 10, 2020.
“Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms," said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This restriction is intended to reduce violent crime and thereby protect the public. To accomplish this goal, we will continue to work closely with ATF as well as state and local law enforcement agencies."
This matter was investigated by the Lebanon Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
