Nashua, NH man faces federal charges for allegedly selling firearms to undercover agents in Pepperell
BOSTON -- A recent federal firearms investigation in Pepperell led to the arrest of 22-year-old Dennis Michaud Jr. from Nashua, New Hampshire. Michaud is accused of selling nine firearms, including two semiautomatic rifles, along with ammunition and accessories, following a series of undercover operations by federal agents and local law enforcement. He faces charges of trafficking in firearms without a license, and after his initial court appearance in Boston, he is awaiting a detention hearing on Monday.
According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court, Michaud was identified as a suspected illegal firearms dealer in February, although the details of how investigators arrived at this conclusion were not disclosed. Allegations indicate that Michaud utilized the social media app Snapchat to coordinate sales with a confidential informant collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Over several controlled purchases, Michaud allegedly sold firearms and ammunition at predetermined locations in Pepperell.
The first transaction occurred on February 11, where Michaud reportedly sold a semiautomatic rifle and a magazine for $900. He was seen traveling directly from Nashua to Pepperell for this sale. A week later, on February 18, he allegedly sold three additional firearms, including a revolver and a pistol, along with ammunition for $2,100. Investigators observed him retrieving firearms from his vehicle before completing the deals with the informant.
Michaud's sales continued, culminating in a March 20 transaction where he sold three firearms, including an AK-style rifle, for $2,250. He was arrested immediately following this final sale and it was noted that he does not possess a federal firearms license. Additionally, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a recent conviction for marijuana possession in New Hampshire.
If convicted on the federal firearms trafficking charge, Michaud faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The investigation received commendations from U.S. Attorney Leah Foley’s office, which highlighted the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement agencies involved in the case. The confidential informant, whose previous criminal history includes various offenses, played a crucial role in the undercover operations leading to Michaud's arrest.