New Hampshire
3 men charged with vandalizing homes of New Hampshire journalists — using bricks, rocks and spray paint
Three New Hampshire men were charged with conspiracy to harass and intimidate two journalists after one of the suspects was caught on camera throwing a brick at a home.
Tucker Cockerline, 32, and Michael Waselchuck, 35, were arrested Friday morning and, after making an initial appearance in a federal court in Boston, were detained until a hearing scheduled for June 20, while Keenan Saniatan, 36, remains at large.
The charges come after a year of investigations following incidents at several houses in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts connected to the journalists, the US Attorney’s Office said Friday.
The two journalists, employees at New Hampshire Public Radio, were targeted at their homes after they released an investigative report against a New Hampshire businessman.
The alleged harassment began after NHPR reporter Lauren Chooljian and editor Dan Barrick published an article in March 2022 regarding the allegations of sexual misconduct against Eric Spofford, a recovering drug addict who founded New Hampshire’s largest network of addiction treatment centers, according to NHPR.
Chooljian reported Spofford’s Granite Recovery Center was awarded more than $3 million in no-bid contracts from the state of New Hampshire since 2019.
In April 2022, a brick was thrown through a front window at Chooljian’s former residence in Hanover, NH where graffiti appeared with the c-word written out in red spray paint, the same night Barrick’s Concord house was also struck by a rock with the same word written on the door.
Chooljian’s parents’ house in Hampstead, NH was also attacked by a softball-sized rock, and the garage door also tagged with graffiti.
One month later, Chooljian’s parents’ home was again vandalized with the colorful word, while Chooljian’s own home in Melrose, Massachusetts was hit by a large brick and the phrase “JUST THE BEGINNING” spray painted to the front of the house.
The three men conspired together along with at least one other man allegedly identified as a close personal associate of Spofford.
“The charging documents allege that Cockerline, Saniatan, and Waselchuck are responsible for committing all five of these vandalisms,” according to the press release.
Spofford denied having any connection with any of the vandalism.
“Not only was I completely uninvolved with these incidents of vandalism, I also do not support or condone them.” Spofford said in a statement through his attorneys in May 2022. “I also don’t need to vandalize someone’s property. I have truth on my side, and I will vindicate myself through lawful means.”
Spofford is suing the radio station for defamation, but a Superior Judge dismissed the case, but the judge will be reviewing notes and recordings created by Chooljian, according to court documents.
“The critical role that the press plays in our society goes back to the founding of our nation,” Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a press release. “Today’s charges should send a clear message that the Department of Justice will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of journalists.” Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a press release.
“If you engage in this type of vicious and vindictive behavior you will be held accountable,” Levy added.
“Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy and these three men are now accused of infringing on that freedom by conspiring to harass and intimidate two New Hampshire journalists who were simply doing their jobs,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “Everyone has a right to express their opinion, but taking it over the line and committing vandalism will not be tolerated.”
The three suspects face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution.
New Hampshire
Karoline Leavitt is “uniquely qualified” to be Trump’s press secretary, her NH college mentor says
MANCHESTER, N.H. – New Hampshire native Karoline Leavitt is set to become the youngest White House press secretary in history after President-elect Donald Trump announced last week that he would name her to the position. It’s a job that her former college mentor says the 27-year-old is “uniquely qualified for.”
Neil Levesque is the executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, which is Leavitt’s alma mater. He told WBZ-TV that he worked with her on an almost daily basis while she was a student and they still keep in touch.
“She’s probably one of the best students I’ve ever seen in front of a television camera,” Levesque said. “She answers questions with not only just razor-sharp answers, but also she has an optimism, a sort of cheerfulness to her that I think sometimes catches people off guard.”
Who is Karoline Leavitt?
Leavitt was the first Republican “Gen Z” congressional nominee in 2022, but lost in the general election. She worked in the White House Press Office during Trump’s first term and then served as his 2024 campaign press secretary.
Trump said in a statement that “Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator.”
“Thank you, President Trump, for believing in me. I am humbled and honored,” Leavitt wrote in a social media post.
Trump’s White House press secretary
The Trump White House did not always have regular press briefings during his first term, with the former president preferring to serve as his own chief spokesperson. Trump was asked at a campaign briefing this summer if the press secretary would have a bigger role this time around.
“Probably they’ll do something. If it’s not daily, it’s going to be a lot,” Trump said. “You’ll have more than you want.”
Levesque highlighted the challenges Leavitt will face when speaking for the White House.
“Obviously the job of being White House press secretary is someone who’s being watched around the world,” he said. “Statements that you have to make on behalf of the president of the United States have to be perfect.”
Like Trump, Leavitt has repeatedly blasted the mainstream media as “fake news.” But Levesque said he expects her to get along well with reporters covering the White House.
“The press corps is probably going to find her an enjoyable person to work with every day,” Levesque said. “She is fearless.”
The New Hampshire Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Nov. 18 drawing
27-31-41-52-69, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 18 drawing
04-09-10-28-29, Lucky Ball: 01
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Nov. 18 drawing
Day: 2-4-5
Evening: 4-0-8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Nov. 18 drawing
Day: 1-2-2-5
Evening: 6-9-1-1
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Megabucks Plus numbers from Nov. 18 drawing
03-12-16-24-25, Megaball: 04
Check Megabucks Plus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Gimme 5 numbers from Nov. 18 drawing
20-23-33-37-39
Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the New Hampshire Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Megabucks Plus: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Hampshire managing editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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