A Laconia man has entered a guilty plea in federal court related to methamphetamine distribution and firearm possession as a prohibited individual, according to Attorney Jane E. Young.
Steven Ridgeway, 50, admitted guilt to two counts of methamphetamine distribution and one count of possessing a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante has set the sentencing date for April 17, 2025.
On July 5 and July 24, 2023, Ridgeway sold approximately 165 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. During the latter transaction, he also sold the informant a pistol. As a felon, Ridgeway is barred from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.
The methamphetamine distribution charges carry potential penalties including up to 20 years in prison, fines up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release. The firearm possession charge could result in up to 15 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and no more than three years of supervised release. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force with support from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, New Hampshire State Police, and Laconia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.