CONCORD - Hallet Merrick, 34, of White River Junction, Vermont was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for 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 previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 28, 2020.
“In order to protect the public, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to keep guns out of the hands of criminals," said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Convicted felons who possess firearms are violating federal law and endangering our communities. Armed criminals like Merrick should understand that possessing a gun will have serious consequences, including federal prison time."
This matter was investigated by the Lebanon Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
