Craig Pearson, a 42-year-old resident of Manchester, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.
According to the plea agreement, Pearson was involved in two controlled purchase operations in late June and early July 2022, during which agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized over 600 grams of methamphetamine. On July 7, 2022, following these operations, DEA agents arrested Pearson. A search of a hotel room he had rented led to the discovery of an additional 400 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of fentanyl, and a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle.
Pearson faces significant penalties for these offenses. The statute for drug trafficking allows for up to 20 years in federal prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1 million. For the firearm charge, the law requires a minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, consecutive to any term imposed for drug trafficking. This charge also carries up to five years of supervised release and a possible $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for May 12, 2026 before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Samanta D. Elliott.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega prosecuting the case.
“This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
