Nashua man with past pot conviction faces federal charges for allegedly selling 9 guns to agents

BOSTON -- A federal firearms investigation in Pepperell, Massachusetts, led to the arrest of Dennis Michaud Jr., a 22-year-old man from Nashua, New Hampshire. Michaud is accused of illegally selling nine firearms, including two semiautomatic rifles, along with ammunition and accessories, in undercover operations conducted by federal agents and local law enforcement.

Michaud faces a charge of trafficking in firearms without a license and was detained after his initial appearance in federal court in Boston. He is awaiting a detention hearing set for Monday, according to U.S. Attorney Leah Foley's Office. Investigators reportedly identified Michaud as a suspected illegal firearms dealer earlier this year, though specifics on how they reached this conclusion were not disclosed.

Utilizing the social media app Snapchat, Michaud allegedly coordinated sales with a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. During four controlled purchases, he sold firearms and ammunition at designated locations in Pepperell. The first sale took place on February 11, involving a semiautomatic rifle and a magazine for $900.

Subsequent transactions included the sale of a variety of firearms, such as a revolver and a Walther pistol, totaling more than $3,800 over multiple deals. During these transactions, Michaud was seen retrieving firearms from his vehicle before finalizing sales in the informant's car. Notably, he warned the informant about the legal consequences of possessing certain firearms.

Michaud does not hold a federal firearms license and is prohibited from having firearms or ammunition due to a recent drug conviction in New Hampshire. Should he be convicted of the trafficking charge, he faces significant penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The investigation received support from local police departments and highlighted the role of the informant, who has a history of criminal convictions.