Courtroom - inside
Courtroom - Inside

Manchester Woman Pleads Guilty in Major Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy”

January 24, 2024

CONCORD – Today in federal court, 30-year-old Katie Girgus of Manchester entered a guilty plea for her involvement in a large-scale conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. This development marks Girgus as the second of 22 defendants in the case to plead guilty, announced U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.

Girgus admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott has set the April 30th sentencing. The indictment against Girgus was originally filed on April 26, 2023.

Details from the plea agreement and court statements revealed that Girgus was involved in selling approximately 50 grams of fentanyl and 3.5 grams of crack cocaine from June to November 2022. She operated as part of a network where customers would call a “dispatch” line to order narcotics. A dispatcher would then connect Girgus with the customers to finalize the drug deals, primarily in the Manchester area. Transactions typically occurred in her car, where she would meet customers at designated locations.

The conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentencing will be determined by the federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration spearheaded the investigation leading to this plea, with significant support from the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Jarad Hodes are prosecuting the case

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News