Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Concord, N.H.— Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Matthew Bergeron, formerly of Fitchburg, Massachusetts was sentenced to 78 months in prison for his role in the straw purchase of three firearms in New Hampshire.

According to court records and statements in court, Bergeron arranged to have two co-conspirators purchase firearms on his behalf in June and July 2016 from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Hooksett, New Hampshire. In connection with each firearm purchase, the co-conspirators were required to complete an ATF Form 4473 where they falsely stated that they were purchasing the firearms for themselves when they were actually purchasing the weapons for Bergeron. Bergeron also had each co-defendant purchase ammunition and extended clip magazines on his behalf. Shortly after the purchases, Bergeron took possession of the firearms, magazines and ammunition. Bergeron was a previously convicted felon and a resident of Massachusetts, and could not legally purchase the firearms for himself in New Hampshire.

Bergeron, who pleaded guilty to two conspiracy charges on March 2, 2017, will be placed on supervised release for three years after he completes his prison sentence.

Bergeron’s co-conspirators, Rashawn Dunn, 30, and Jessica Fithian, 33, both of Manchester, also have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in order to prevent violence and to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals.” Acting U.S. Attorney Farley said. “I commend the work of the law enforcement agencies in this case. Their hard work helps to keep our community safe.”

This matter was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Manchester Police Department. 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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