Patricia G. Conway, County Attorney
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Rockingham County Attorney Announces Guilty Plea in Drug Case
BRENTWOOD — Rockingham County Attorney Patricia G. Conway announces that JAMES R. CASTINE was sentenced yesterday following a guilty plea on several drug charges.
CASTINE, AGE 25, OF EPPING pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Drug Enterprise Leader (two counts)
- Witness Tampering
- Possession of a Controlled Drug
CASTINE was sentenced to 18-40 years in prison, with the possibility of three years of the minimum suspended if he obtains his HiSET (GED) and successfully completes a drug treatment program while incarcerated.
Through a joint investigation by the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, Rockingham Country Drug Task Force, Project Granite Shield, Epping Police and Raymond Police,
law enforcement determined that CASTINE used at least seven individuals to deliver drugs from Massachusetts to Epping, which were then distributed across Rockingham County at his direction.
CASTINE was responsible for at least 200 grams of fentanyl per week entering the county, and his operation developed over the span of several years.
“Illegal drug distribution ravages our families and communities,” County Attorney Conway said. “Thanks to the strength of collaborative local and county law enforcement efforts, Rockingham County is a safer place today.”
Since his indictment in December 2017, the Rockingham Country Drug Task Force determined that the overdose rates in Epping and Raymond have dropped by half. Other surrounding towns also reported a noticeable drop in their overdose rates following CASTINE’S arrest.
Assistant County Attorney Ryan Ollis served as the prosecutor in this case. CASTINE was represented by Robert Watkins, with Judge Will Delker presiding.
CASTINE was also convicted earlier this year of three counts of Sale of a Controlled Drug.
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