N.H. fentanyl pusher gets 10-30 years in OD death

Michael Millette at his sentencing on Monday. (WMUR image)

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's Attorney General sent a strong message to heroin and fentanyl pushers in the state on Monday, sentencing a Littleton man to 10-30 years in state prison for selling fentanyl to a man who died from taking the drug.

Attorney General Joseph A. Foster and Chief Paul Smith of the Littleton Police

Department said in a press release that Michael Millette, 54, pleaded guilty to sale of a controlled drug, death resulting, two counts of sale of a controlled drug, and possession intent to sell.

As part of a negotiated plea Millette was sentenced to the New Hampshire State Prison for 10 to 30 years, with just 2 ½ years of the minimum sentence suspended for 10 years, on good behavior, which means he'll spend at least seven and a half years behind bars.

Millette received additional sentences the state can impose if he doesn't remain on good behavior upon his release from state prison.

The investigation which led to Millette's arrest began in November 2014, when it was learned that Millette sold fentanyl to Edward Martin III, which resulted in his death. Millette was also a substantial drug dealer in the Littleton area.

"Edward Martin III's death, like so many others that the state has experienced, is a tragedy. It highlights the problem of prescription opiate, heroin and fentanyl abuse that has been growing steadily and remains one of the greatest challenges facing law enforcement here in New Hampshire and nationwide," Attorney General Foster said. "While a solution to this problem is multi-faceted and must involve education, prevention, and treatment, an important part of the solution will continue to be identifying, arresting, prosecuting and incarcerating heroin and fentanyl dealers like Michael Millette."