Rochester man pleads guilty in federal court to meth traffcking, weapons charges

James M. Nesbitt (Rochester Police photo)

CONCORD - A Rochester man pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the U.S. Attorney's office announced.

According to court documents and statements made in court, James M. Nesbitt, 43, formerly of May Street, conspired with two other individuals to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl and crystal "ice" methamphetamine.

On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police ("NHSP") conducted a vehicle stop of Nesbitt's vehicle and seized fentanyl, crystal "ice" methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Later the same evening, the NHSP and DEA searched Nesbitt's hotel room in Ossipee and seized around 171 grams of crystal "ice," or methamphetamine, smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics. They also seized a Springfield Armory XD45 semi-automatic handgun.

On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Nesbitt and a co-conspirator at their Rochester residence and seized fentanyl and four firearms and assorted ammunition.

Nesbitt is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2020.

"Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to the safety of the citizens of New Hampshire," said U.S. Attorney Scott Murray. "In order to prevent violent crime and maintain public safety, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug dealers who arm themselves with firearms. I commend the investigators in this case for stopping this drug trafficking conspiracy."