Franklin Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

             CONCORD - Stephen Marando, 57, formerly of Franklin, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to fentanyl trafficking charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 13, 2017, Marando and another individual drove from Franklin, New Hampshire, to Lawrence, Massachusetts in order to buy fentanyl.  After they obtained the fentanyl and were on their way back to Franklin, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop on their vehicle.  During the course of the stop, the other individual attempted to discard a package containing 91 grams of fentanyl that they had picked up in Lawrence.

            Marando pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31, 2018.

            “Each day, law enforcement officers in New Hampshire are working to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Interrupting the transportation of drugs frequently requires that New Hampshire state troopers engage traffickers on our highways.  Often they are our first line of defense. We will continue to work with State Police and all of our law enforcement partners to prevent drug dealers from further damaging our community and endangering our citizens.”

            “With today's plea, Mr. Marando is now accepting responsibility for trafficking fentanyl, which has killed more people in New Hampshire and the United States than any other drug. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to working to defeat this menacing threat, one drug trafficking organization at a time,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

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