A Hooksett man has been sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. Erik Pena, 28, received the sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott and will also serve three years of supervised release. Pena had pleaded guilty in February 2025 to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack stated, "The distribution of methamphetamine devastates communities, fuels addiction, and endangers public safety. Drug trafficking will not be tolerated in New Hampshire. We will vigorously support law enforcement and prosecute offenders to stop the spread of drugs in the Granite State."
Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, commented on the case: "Methamphetamine traffickers must be held accountable for the pain, suffering, and destruction inflicted by their crimes." She emphasized that the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force would continue its efforts against drug traffickers like Pena to ensure safety in New Hampshire.
Court documents revealed that between 2023 and 2024, law enforcement purchased over two pounds of methamphetamine from Pena. During a search of his stash house, authorities found distribution-level quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, four firearms, ammunition, body armor, and additional fentanyl pills at his residence.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and Hooksett Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
