Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

CONCORD - Joshua Hooper, 36, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers obtained information that Hooper was selling firearms. At the time, Hooper was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition as a result of at least one prior felony conviction. On July 15, 2017, Hooper possessed a Noveski Rifleworks, Model N4, lower receiver, and sold that firearm to another individual. On March 23, 2018, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for Hooper’s residence. While executing the search warrant, officers recovered a large quantity of ammunition and other firearm accessories. 

 

Hooper is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22nd 2019.

 

“Federal law is designed to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Armed felons are a threat to public safety. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who illegally possess guns.” 

 

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski. The case was previously prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Kelbley. 

 

The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.