United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CONCORD, N.H. – William Hallinan, 36, of Rochester, was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 2, 2020, a traffic stop of the vehicle Mr. Hallinan was driving and a subsequent search of his vehicle conducted by Somersworth Police yielded a baggie of methamphetamine, a loaded 9 mm handgun, a digital scale, and multiple unused baggies. Mr. Hallinan was also carrying roughly $900 in cash in his pocket.  In a post-arrest interview, Mr. Hallinan admitted to selling drugs, and explained he carried the firearm to protect his money.  On September 14, 2020, Strafford County Sheriff’s deputies conducted another motor vehicle stop of Mr. Hallinan, and during a pat check found a sheathed knife on his person, a switch blade, $1,131 in cash, 5.4 grams of crack cocaine, and a handgun.  A subsequent search of his vehicle resulted in seizure of roughly 100 grams of fentanyl, 27.5 grams of methamphetamine, 24.5 grams of cocaine, a .45 caliber handgun, and $12,371 in cash.  A search of Mr. Hallinan’s telephone revealed exchanges showing he conspired with his source of supply to purchase narcotics for distribution. Texts in his phone confirmed he was dealing drugs from February to September of 2020. 

“Armed drug traffickers are a threat to the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “Bringing these criminals to justice is a priority for the United States Attorney’s Office, so that we curb the violence and societal harm that stems from distribution of narcotics by armed criminals like the defendant.” 

“Guns and drugs take far too many lives in our communities, and William Hallinan was contributing to the devastating impact of both here in New Hampshire,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “With today’s sentence, this armed drug trafficker will spend a significant time behind bars, while the FBI continues to work with our law enforcement partners to remove dangerous criminals from the streets.”

This matter was investigated by the Rochester Police Department with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.