CONCORD – John Barber, a 32-year-old from Manchester, has admitted to federal charges of intending to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.
Barber pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott. Initially indicted on September 6, 2022, Barber later faced a superseding information adding another drug-related charge.
The case unfolded on February 23, 2022, when a New Hampshire State Trooper stopped a vehicle on Interstate 93 in Concord, with Barber as a passenger.
A search of the car, consented to by the driver, led to the discovery of plastic baggies, a digital scale, and a locked zipper pouch near Barber, containing about 45 grams of methamphetamine and 130 grams of fentanyl. Barber, found with $3000 in cash, confessed his intention to distribute the drugs.
Further investigation on August 23, 2022, saw the execution of a search warrant at Barber’s camper in Manchester, uncovering roughly 75 grams of methamphetamine indicative of distribution intentions.
Under the charging statute, Barber faces up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1,000,000. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.