Former New Hampshire Business Owner Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine After HSI Investigation

CONCORD, N.H. – A Manchester man was sentenced July 19 in federal court for distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine after a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England investigation.

Walter Velez, 41, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. On April 2, 2024, Velez pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of controlled substances, namely fentanyl and crack cocaine.

In April 2023, Velez sold fentanyl and crack cocaine to a confidential informant on four occasions at his then business, Velez Alignment & Auto Services, LLC, located at 416 Lake Avenue in Manchester. The four sales totaled over 200 grams of fentanyl and over 20 grams of crack cocaine.

“The defendant distributed a significant amount of drugs from his business, which was located in a densely populated neighborhood,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Law enforcement in the Granite State remains committed to thwarting out drug dealers at every level in the supply chain to hold them accountable for selling dangerous narcotics and to eradicate drug trafficking in our neighborhoods.”

“Velez was caught selling crack cocaine and fentanyl, two deadly drugs that have caused havoc and destruction for too many families in New Hampshire. Today’s sentence puts an end to Velez’s drug dealing. HSI continues to work with our partners in New Hampshire to stop the trafficking and distribution of drugs into our communities,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol.

HSI New England’s Manchester Resident Agent in Charge office led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department.