By Dylan Marsh
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
SUNAPEE — A Unity, New Hampshire man pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of a controlled drug-cocaine, with intent to distribute in the Sullivan County Superior Court on July 7, 2022.
Jacob Benson, 23, was arrested in Sunapee after a motor vehicle stop by the New Hampshire State Police’s Mobil Enforcement Unit. The arrest came as the result of an eight-month long investigation leading to a warrant for his arrest for sales of a controlled drug and felonious use of a firearm. Other assisting agencies in this investigation were the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, the New London Police Department K-9 unit, the Newport Police Department, and the Sunapee Police Department.
An investigation by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force began in November 2021 to determine the source of Fentanyl and Crack/Cocaine in Unity. The suspected source was believed to be a source of supply for the Sullivan County area. After a meeting with a confidential informant, an undercover detective working with the DTF identified Benson as the target of the investigation.
An affidavit written by the detective claims that the informant told him that Benson drove out of state to purchase large quantities of cocaine and heroin. On a second meeting, the detective met with the informant in an official capacity and filed the appropriate paperwork to make controlled purchases from Benson. A series of purchases were made by the confidential informant after making contact with Benson via text. Each purchase was field tested and shown to be quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.
Reportedly, while at Benson’s residence, the informant also observed Benson 3D printing parts for firearms. This included a “ticket” which would allow a firearm to go from a semi-automatic to a fully-automatic weapon. The detective was also able to acquire audio recordings that are believed to be Benson discussing drug activity from equipment that was placed on the informant.
On June 24th, investigators conducted electronic surveillance and from that discovered Benson would be traveling to the Hooksett area, which was known to police as an area Benson might be purchasing large quantities of narcotics. Surveillance units observed Benson parked in the area of Lake Massabesic, where he met with an unknown male. Benson returned to his vehicle and drove to Sunapee, where law enforcement made a traffic stop.
According to the detectives, a small bag in Bensons vehicle appeared to contain fentanyl. The vehicle was ultimately seized and transported to the Sunapee Police Department. The vehicle was then searched and found to contain a large quantity of cocaine hidden under a passenger seat in the car.
A search warrant on Benson’s residence turned up roughly 70 grams of methamphetamine, 30 grams of fentanyl, a small amount of psilocybin mushrooms, and a small quantity of marijuana. Investigators also found packing materials consistent with narcotic distribution, scales, and an electronic money counter.
After being brought to the Sunapee Police Department, Benson met with a Bail Commissioner who set a $5,000 cash bail, which could not be paid. As a result, Benson was transported to Sullivan County House of Corrections, but a detective claims that bail was posted two days later on June 26th. Benson is scheduled to appear in Sullivan County Superior Court on July 27th to be arraigned for the remainder of the charges put against him.
The charges placed against Benson are accusations and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty.
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