Yesterday, a man from New Hampshire, identified as Eric Labarge, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of stalking and conspiracy related to targeted harassment and intimidation of journalists from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The incidents, which involved defamation and damage to personal property with bricks and spray paint, had been a daunting sequence for the victims and their families, and his sentencing is set for October 18, 2024.
Triggered by an article exposing alleged unethical behavior of a businessperson closely linked to him Labarge conspired with others to undertake a series of vindictive acts against two NHPR journalists; the campaign included not only the journalists themselves but also extended to the family of one, indicative of a calculated intent to instill fear and retaliate for their professional work. According to court documents, Labarge engaged co-conspirators Tucker Cockerline, Michael Waselchuck, and, allegedly, Keenan Saniatan, the latter of which is expected to stand trial on September 9, 2024.
The campaign of harassment included multiple instances of property vandalism: on April 24, 2022, Cockerline vandalized the home of one of the journalists by spraypainting an offensive slur on the door and throwing a brick through the window and on the same night, similar derogatory messages and property damage were exacted upon the homes of another journalist and their parents. Labarge's solicitation of Cockerline escalated when they targeted another residence, where a phrase ominously reading "JUST THE BEGINNING" was sprawled across the front of the house.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Field Division, acknowledged the contributions of several local police departments and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire in bringing the perpetrators to justice, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Torey B. Cummings are prosecuting the case, which carries potential penalties of up to five years in prison among other consequences. Cockerline and Waselchuck have already entered guilty pleas and are currently waiting for their sentencing while Saniatan's trial is on the horizon, the gravity of these charges underscore the tenets of justice aiming to serve as a bulwark against the violation of the free press.
Amidst the legal proceedings, the allegations detailed in the affidavits serve as a stark reminder of the personal risks inherent in the journalistic profession, all defendants except Saniatan have admitted guilt, thus affirming the credibility of the charges levied against them though it's worth noting that Saniatan maintains his presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
