Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

            CONCORD - William Looney, 55, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to a fentanyl trafficking charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2017, the Manchester Police Department received information that Looney was driving from New Hampshire to Massachusetts to purchase large quantities of drugs.  On July 28, 2017, law enforcement officers observed Looney travel from Manchester to Massachusetts.  When he returned to Massachusetts, officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Looney, who was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant.  In the center console of the vehicle was a package containing approximately 285 grams of fentanyl.

            Looney pleaded guilty to one count of possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2018.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is threatening the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are distributing this dangerous substance in New Hampshire.  I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who successfully prevented this significant amount of fentanyl from being distributed in the Granite State.”    

             This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Kelbley.