Nashua Man Gets 12 Years In Prison On Gun, Drug Dealing Charges

CONCORD, NH — A Gate City man is heading to prison after being sentenced to 144 months in jail on fentanyl trafficking and firearms charges, according to U.S. Attorney Scott Murray. Grant Michallyszyn, 23, of Nashua, was sentenced on June 18, 2019, based on an incident that occurred last year where Nashua police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation initiated a search warrant of a hotel room on Amherst Street in Nashua where he was staying. During the search, officers found two handguns, digital scales, and various drugs – including more than 30 grams of fentanyl.

Federal law prohibits possession of guns to protect drug trafficking activities. Michallyszyn pleaded guilty to the charges in court on March 8.

“Armed drug traffickers present an enhanced danger to society,” Murray stated. “As this case demonstrates, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are united in our efforts to fight the twin dangers of drug trafficking and gun violence. To protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to work together to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate drug traffickers who use guns as tools of their illegal trade.”

Nashua police and the FBI were assisted by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office during the investigation.

“Drugs and violence go hand in hand, and with today’s sentence, Mr. Michallyszyn is finally being held accountable for contributing to the opioid crisis that has devastated our communities,” noted Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Together, with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to do everything it can to identify dangerous individuals like him who are flooding our neighborhoods with fentanyl.”

Michallyszyn is no stranger to police in New Hampshire. In August 2013, at 17, he was arrested on rape and drug dealing charges in Portsmouth. New Hampshire State Police also brought drug charges against him. He was accused of giving the victim Clonazpam and then raping her the month before. Troopers arrested him in July 2013 on a possession charge on Route 16 in Doverand again in August of that year on Route 16 inNewington on a possession charge. Michallyszyn was indicted later on numerous intent to distribute and possession charges.