A Northfield man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for attempting to receive methamphetamine through the United States Postal Service. Joseph Crawford, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Crawford had pleaded guilty on October 30, 2024, to two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack commented on the case: “Joseph Crawford used the United States Postal Service in an attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs across state lines into the Granite State.” He emphasized that individuals trafficking illegal narcotics through mail will face prosecution and significant punishment.
Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, stated, “Joseph Crawford has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and yesterday’s sentence puts him out of business and behind bars for receiving significant quantities of meth through the mail while on parole for two prior state drug convictions.”
Stephen Belleau, Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge of the New England Field Division, noted that methamphetamine seizures are increasing and affirmed their commitment to keeping this drug out of New Hampshire. He remarked that the sentence serves as a warning to those attempting similar crimes.
Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners will continue to dedicate resources necessary to keep methamphetamine producers and traffickers out of our communities.”
The investigation began when suspicious packages addressed to Crawford were flagged by USPIS on July 5 and July 19, 2023. These packages sent from California contained over two pounds of methamphetamine.
The investigation was led by several agencies including the United States Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The New Hampshire State Police along with Claremont and Lebanon Police Departments also assisted. Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States.