Felon Pleads Guilty in Connection to Distributing Crack Cocaine, the Illegal Possession of Four Firearms, Ammunition, and a Glock Switch

CONCORD, N.h. - A Manchester man has pleaded guilty in federal court in connection to his distribution of crack cocaine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, ammunition, and a machine gun conversion device (otherwise known as a "Glock Switch"), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Joseph Taylor, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of drug distribution, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. U.S. District Court Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2024.

On three occasions in November 2023 and January 2024, Taylor sold crack cocaine to an individual who was cooperating with the Manchester Police Department. When law enforcement searched Taylor's residence, they found money that had been used in the controlled buys, four firearms, ammunition, magazines and other firearm accessories, and a 3D-printed Glock Switch. One of the firearms had previously been reported to the Manchester Police Department as stolen. Taylor did not register the machine gun conversion device on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) as required by the National Firearms Act. Taylor had previously been convicted of four felonies and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

The charge of drug distribution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and the charge of unregistered possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Each of these charges provide for up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.