Laconia Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine and Possessing a Firearm as a Prohibited Person

CONCORD - A Laconia man pleaded guilty in federal court in connection with his distribution of methamphetamine and his possession of a firearm as a prohibited person, Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Steven Ridgeway, 50, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2025.

A confidential informant purchased a total of approximately 165 grams of methamphetamine from Ridgeway on July 5 and July 24, 2023. During the July 24, 2023, drug sale, Ridgeway also sold the confidential informant a pistol. Ridgeway, a felon, is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.

The charges of distribution of methamphetamine provide a maximum prison term of 20 years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. The charge of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person provides a maximum prison term of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and not more than 3 years of supervised release. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Major Offender Task Force is comprised of federal agents partnered with law enforcement officers from police departments state-wide. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Drug Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Laconia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.

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