Laconia Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug & Gun Crimes
Thursday, January 9, 2025, 6:30 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englbrook Independent News,
CONCORD, NH.- On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Steven Ridgeway, 50, of Laconia, New Hampshire, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
According to U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young and documents filed with the District Court, in July 2023, Ridgeway became the target of a narcotics investigation. During the investigation, a confidential informant purchased a total of 165 grams of methamphetamine from Ridgeway during controlled buys under the observation of law enforcement agents on July 5, 2023, and July 24, 2023.
During the July 24, 2023, methamphetamine purchase, Ridgeway also sold the confidential informant a handgun. Ridgeway, a convicted felon, is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.
Judge Laplante Schedules Sentencing
After entering his guilty plea on Tuesday, Judge Laplante accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2025, at which time Ridgeway faces up to 20 years in federal prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine on the methamphetamine charges and for the firearms charge, Ridgeway faces up to 15 years in federal prison, at least three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. At the time of sentencing, Judge Laplante will determine the actual term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Ridgeway’s prior criminal history.
