A Northfield resident has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for attempting to receive methamphetamine through the United States Postal Service. Joseph Crawford, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty and will also serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Crawford had pleaded guilty on October 30, 2024, to two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack stated, "Joseph Crawford used the United States Postal Service in an attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs across state lines into the Granite State." He emphasized that those using mail services for drug trafficking would face prosecution and severe penalties.
Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, commented on Crawford's repeated legal violations: "Joseph Crawford has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and yesterday’s sentence puts him out of business and behind bars for receiving significant quantities of meth through the mail while on parole for two prior state drug convictions."
Stephen Belleau, Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge of the New England Field Division, remarked on the rise of methamphetamine seizures: "As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire."
Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service noted that law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to preventing drug trafficking through postal services: “Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort of our local and state law enforcement partners to keep methamphetamine and other drugs out of our communities.”
The investigation began when suspicious packages addressed to Crawford were flagged by USPIS on July 5 and July 19, 2023. The packages originated from California and contained over two pounds of methamphetamine combined.
The case was investigated by several agencies including USPIS Boston Division, FBI, DEA, New Hampshire State Police, Claremont Police Department, and Lebanon Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations.
