Four Men Arrested On Drug & Gun Charges
Two are reported to be alleged motorcycle club members.
CONCORD, NH - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that four New Hampshire residents, including two alleged motorcycle club members, have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking crimes. One of the four men also has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to allegations contained in the federal criminal complaints that were unsealed today:
Alleged Hells Angel Motorcycle Club member James Cunningham, 60, of Laconia, New Hampshire, is charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Alleged Milford & Company Motorcycle Club President Harry Bolton, 63, of Weare, New Hampshire, is charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.
Kenneth Bailey, 52, of Weare, New Hampshire, is charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine.
Timothy Raxter, 52, of Tilton, New Hampshire, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Each drug charge is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The maximum penalty for the firearms charge against Raxter is up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
"Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers are united in our work to combat drug trafficking and violence," said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. "Even as our state attempts to address the opioid crisis, we remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the public from the distribution of other dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. I commend our law enforcement partners for their work in this investigation."
"The Hells Angels are one of the most notorious biker gangs in the United States and often use violence and intimidation to protect their 'turf' in support of their criminal activities," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "As alleged, this investigation revealed that a Hells Angel member engaged in the distribution of drugs in New Hampshire. In an effort to create safer neighborhoods for everyone, the FBI New Hampshire's Safe Streets Task Force is fully committed to the identification and pursuit of illicit gang activities within the state, to crack down on illegal drug distribution networks, and deter associated violence."
A federal criminal complaint is only an allegation, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force which is comprised of the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Probation and Parole, and the Police Departments of Hudson, Manchester, and Nashua. Assistance was provided by the Laconia and Tilton police departments.
Posted 6/10/17
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