Hibbard sent to prison for dealing drug from hotel

LACONIA — Ryan M. Hibbard, 30, listed as a transient when he was arrested in May, pled guilty to possession of narcotics with intent to distribute and was sentenced to three-and-a-half to seven years in prison in Belknap County Superior Court this week.

Hibbard was arrested by Gilford Police following an investigation that began when a confidential informant provided information to Dads and Moms Against Drug Dealers (DAMMAD), an organization that offers a secure means of reporting suspected drug traffickers to law enforcement agencies. After placing Hibbard under surveillance, police arranged a controlled purchase of heroin from him. At the time he was staying at the Townplace Suites by Marriott at Gilford Commons, and police obtained a warrant to search both his person and his room.

Police found Hibbard carrying seven bags of heroin and more than three grams of marijuana. Another 11.19 grams of heroin, along with drug paraphernalia, were found in his room. Altogether police estimated Hibbard was in possession of 224 doses of heroin.

Hibbard also pled guilty to driving after revocation or suspension in Laconia District Court and was fined $1,000. Other motor vehicle charges against him were dropped as part the negotiated plea.

When he was arrested Hibbard was driving a 1999 Merecedes Benz ML430 registered to Michael Carpenter-Noucas of Meredith, who was indicted in 2010 on charges of burglary, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery. Police alleged that Carpenter-Noucas and Robert Hart, both of whom were armed, broke into a home on Lake Street in Meredith intending to rob the occupants. A resident awoke, wrested a knife from Carpenter-Noucas and turned it on his assailants. Hart died of his wounds and Carpenter-Noucas, who was cut in the neck, recovered. He is scheduled to stand trial in Belknap County Superior Court in September.