New Hampshire
Fraud investigators ask court to make Alexander produce business records • New Hampshire Bulletin
Robynne Alexander, who has until this Monday afternoon to close a $21.5 million Laconia land deal with the state, is facing a new court challenge.
Friday, the state Bureau of Securities Regulation asked the state superior court to force Alexander to comply with its January subpoena seeking records related to its investigation of her business dealings. That includes documents, communications, and investor information connected to the Laconia purchase she’s been negotiating with the state Department of Administrative Services since 2022, according to the court filing.
“Alexander must comply with the subpoena so that the bureau can effectuate its purpose of protecting the investing public by obtaining information it considers relevant and material to its investigation,” bureau attorney Michael Kirwin wrote in the court filing.
The bureau had given Alexander a 60-day extension, until mid-April, to provide all documents with an agreement she’d begin submitting them on a rolling basis, as she gathered them.
In their request to the court Friday, the bureau’s attorneys told the court that the deadline had passed with Alexander producing no records.
Neither Alexander, who’s been given several extensions to finalize the Laconia deal, nor the project spokesperson, Scott Tranchemontagne, could be immediately reached for comment. This is the latest of Alexander’s numerous legal troubles.
The Bulletin’s 18-month investigation has revealed that Alexander has been sued by multiple investors since 2022, is facing her third foreclosure, and has a history of property tax liens.
Commissioner Charlie Arlinghaus of the Department of Administrative Services, whose office is overseeing the sale of the former 220-acre Laconia State School campus, has said Alexander’s private real estate projects – and the Bureau of Securities Regulation investigation – do not concern his office. His only concern, he has said, is that Alexander pay $21.5 million in cash by the end of the day Monday.
The Bureau of Securities Regulation, which is charged with protecting investors against fraud, has declined to comment on its investigation since the Bulletin first reported the news two weeks ago.
Its request to the court provides a bit more information about the inquiry, which began in late 2023, and how expansive it is.
The bureau is seeking business records dating back to 2018, the year Alexander relocated from California to New Hampshire and signed on investors for a 60,000-square-foot residential and commercial development on Elm Street in Manchester.
Alexander must also produce records related to the numerous entities she’s controlled in New Hampshire, which would likely include the several real estate development businesses in her name, as well as her investors, at least four of whom sued her in superior court.
The bureau has asked the court to make Alexander produce the records within 10 days of its order and to appear for questioning 10 days after that.
The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
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