New Hampshire men charged with vandalizing NHPR journalist’s homes

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 NPHR 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 NPHR.

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.