MANCHESTER — A local woman has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for drug distribution and possession of a firearm, according to U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.
Shannon Pellot-Sosa, 39, faced Chief U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty and received a 72-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release.
On April 30, Pellot-Sosa admitted to charges including one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The conviction stemmed from incidents in April 2022 when law enforcement officers purchased methamphetamine from Pellot-Sosa and her co-defendant near her Manchester home.
Following these transactions, authorities executed a search warrant at her residence on May 5, 2022, where they discovered approximately 612 grams of cocaine, 147 grams of methamphetamine, and 28 grams of fentanyl.
Two handguns were also seized, one of which was found loaded.
U.S. Attorney Young highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “The distribution of bulk quantities of drugs like methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine is a serious federal offense.
The possession of firearms by drug dealers exponentially compounds the risks to public safety.” She emphasized that her office would persist in seeking harsher penalties for drug traffickers who arm themselves.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, Jodi Cohen, reinforced this stance, expressing the FBI’s commitment to tackling drug and gun violence. “Today’s sentence puts Shannon Pellot-Sosa out of business,” Cohen said, referring to Pellot-Sosa’s role in supplying drugs and possessing illegal firearms.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division and the Manchester Police Department spearheaded the investigation leading to Pellot-Sosa’s sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jarad Hodes and Heather Cherniske were responsible for the prosecution of the case.
