A Greene resident, John Labbe, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The sentencing took place on October 8, 2025, at the U.S. District Court in Portland. Judge Nancy Torresen ordered Labbe, 44, to serve 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Labbe had pleaded guilty earlier on July 1.
Court documents state that Lewiston police detained Labbe in January after observing him unlawfully operating a vehicle. During the encounter, officers found a handgun with a laser sight on his person and discovered fentanyl and cocaine base inside his backpack. Further investigation of his cell phone revealed messages related to drug distribution.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with support from the Lewiston Police Department, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Maine Attorney General’s Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America. According to the press release: "Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime."
The press release notes that although this matter occurred earlier in October 2025, it was not published at that time due to a federal government shutdown but was released once normal operations resumed.
