CONCORD — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - New Hampshire), published as received.
CONCORD - Michael Christian Steever, 39, of Keene, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl and cocaine base with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 18, 2019 and May 1, 2019, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl from Steever. A federal search warrant executed at his Keene apartment yielded additional fentanyl and cocaine base, as well as scales and other materials related to distribution of drugs. In excess of 69 grams of fentanyl and 18 grams of cocaine base were seized in the investigation.
Steever previously pleaded guilty on August 29, 2019.
“The distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs has diminished public safety and destroyed lives in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order curtail trafficking in these lethal substances, we will continue to work closely with the Keene Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate drug traffickers. Those who choose to sell dangerous drugs in New Hampshire should be aware that they will serve time in federal prison.”
"Given its potency, 70 grams of fentanyl is enough to kill hundreds of people," said Jason Molina, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Boston. "Drug trafficking organizations that deal in this deadly poison will continue to face the full resources of HSI and our partners. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to helping combat this epidemic in New Hampshire and anywhere it exists."
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Keene Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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