CONCORD - Cowin Hillsgrove, 45, of New Durham, was sentenced to 69 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 8, 2019, a Bow police officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested an individual on an active warrant for sale of heroin. The arrestee informed the officer she bought heroin and methamphetamine from Hillsgrove who was staying in a Concord hotel. She stated he sold large quantities of drugs from the hotel room and she was going to make a purchase that night.
Later that day, Concord police officers went to Hillsgrove’s hotel room. He stated he had been staying there for several weeks because his home had burned down. Hillsgrove admitted to using methamphetamine but denied selling drugs. Officers obtained a search warrant for Hillsgrove’s hotel room. The search yielded approximately 32 grams of methamphetamine, two loaded handguns and receipts for a handgun and 9mm magazines, $267 in currency, and various other items consistent with drug trafficking.
“Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to public safety," said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “While methamphetamine dealers endanger the community by selling a dangerous drug, the risk is enhanced when the drug dealers are armed. To protect the citizens of the Granite State from harm, we will not hesitate to seek substantial federal prison sentences for drug traffickers who use or possess guns."
“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Hillsgrove accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis."
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Concord Police Department, the Bow Police Department and the New Durham Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
