Laconia man pleads guilty to meth trafficking, gun possession charges

LACONIA - A Laconia man has pleaded guilty in connection with distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Steven Ridgeway, 50, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, the U.S. Attorney Office said in a press release sent today.

Sentencing is set for April 17.

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 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.