Fourth Man Charged in Plot Against New Hampshire Public Radio Journalists
In the latest development of a concerning case, Eric Labarge, 46, hailing from Nashua, finds himself in the hot seat as the fourth individual to be charged in connection with threats and vandalism aimed at public radio journalists in New Hampshire. This unfolding situation has raised eyebrows and generated significant attention.
Labarge’s arrest occurred last Friday, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts. He joins the ranks of three others who were previously apprehended, all of whom now face federal charges pertaining to a conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel.
The allegations against these men center around their purported involvement in a sinister scheme to vandalize the residences associated with New Hampshire Public Radio reporter Lauren Chooljian and news director Daniel Barrick. This alleged retaliation stemmed from a report that disclosed sexual misconduct allegations against a prominent local businessman.
The targeted attacks unfolded over six incidents during the months of April and May in 2022. The homes of these journalists, as well as the home of the reporter’s parents, were subjected to acts of vandalism involving bricks, rocks, and red spray paint. One particularly harrowing incident saw a brick being hurled through a window at Chooljian’s residence, with the ominous message “JUST THE BEGINNING!” spray-painted on her home’s facade.
The wave of vandalism followed a detailed investigation conducted by New Hampshire Public Radio into Eric Spofford, the founder of the state’s largest network of addiction rehabilitation centers. Notably, Spofford, who is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against the radio station, vehemently denied the sexual misconduct allegations and distanced himself from any involvement in the acts of vandalism.
Federal prosecutors, however, paint a different picture, asserting that Labarge maintained a “close, personal associate” relationship with Spofford and played a role in soliciting one of the other individuals to carry out the plot.
As this legal drama unfolds, neither Labarge’s attorney nor a legal representative for co-defendant Keenan Saniatan, 36, of Nashua, offered comments when reached for inquiries on Friday. Additionally, attorneys representing Tucker Cockerline, 32, of Salem, New Hampshire, and Michael Waselchuck, 35, of Seabrook, declined to provide any comments regarding the matter.
The case continues to evolve, and further details will undoubtedly emerge as it progresses through the legal system.