CONCORD – A Manchester man has been charged in connection with the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Walter Velez, 41, was arrested and charged with distribution of controlled substances in connection with the sale of fentanyl to a confidential informant. Velez made an initial appearance in federal court on Friday, July 21, 2023.  Velez was ordered temporarily detained and a detention hearing is scheduled for July 26, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

According to the charging documents, Velez sold fentanyl and crack cocaine on four separate occasions totaling over 200 grams of fentanyl and over 20 grams of crack cocaine.

The charge of distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

            The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.