Citizen Files Criminal Complaint Alleging Misconduct by Newmarket Officials and Town Attorneys

For more than two years, I have been urging the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office to investigate what I believe are serious violations of state law involving officials from the Town of Newmarket and attorneys with the municipal law firm Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC (DTC). After repeated attempts to resolve these concerns at the local level, I have now submitted a formal criminal complaint and supporting allegation matrix to the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau.

This filing includes court pleadings, transcripts, email communications, and public records that, in my view, reveal a troubling pattern of misconduct and a breakdown in public accountability.

Allegations Raised

The complaint alleges violations of multiple New Hampshire criminal statutes, including but not limited to:

- Bribery (RSA 640) and Improper Influence (RSA 640:3)
- Tampering with Public Records (RSA 641:7) and falsification of official documents
- False statements to courts and state agencies
- Official Oppression (RSA 643:1) and Obstruction of Government Administration (RSA 642:1)
- Repeated violations of the Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A), including undisclosed meetings, missing minutes, and the withholding of non-exempt public records

Individuals identified in the complaint include Town Manager Steven Fournier, current and former Newmarket Town Councilors, and DTC attorneys Christopher Hawkins, John Ratigan, Briana Matuszko, and William Warren.

Basis for the Complaint

The allegations stem from records and sworn proceedings suggesting:

- Decisions made outside of properly noticed public meetings
- Legal advice or town actions occurring without transparency
- Public records that were delayed, withheld, or altered
- Statements in litigation that are contradicted by documents
- A pattern of conduct that obscures decision-making from the public

Local Prosecutors Declined to Investigate

Rockingham County prosecutors previously informed me that they could not pursue the matter due to conflicts or lack of resources. The Newmarket Police Department is similarly limited when allegations involve the town’s own officials or legal representatives.

Because of these limitations, I contend that responsibility for any investigation falls squarely on the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, which has constitutional authority and statewide jurisdiction to examine allegations involving public corruption or misuse of authority.

Although the Attorney General’s Office has acknowledged receipt of my complaint and indicated that it is under review, no formal investigative steps have been publicly announced.

Requested Action

My submission to the Attorney General requests:

- A full criminal investigation conducted by independent state investigators
- Preservation and forensic review of all relevant emails, minutes, and digital records
- Sworn interviews of all officials and attorneys involved
- Public accountability and transparency regarding the status of the review

Why It Matters

When public bodies fail to follow meeting laws, conceal records, or make decisions without public oversight, it undermines the rights of every resident. New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law is designed to ensure transparency and prevent exactly the types of issues raised in my complaint.

This matter extends beyond my personal experience. It raises broader questions about government transparency, the integrity of municipal legal representation, and the accessibility of justice for ordinary citizens navigating public-record disputes.

Government is accountable only when its actions can be seen. When transparency fails, trust fails with it.

I will continue to call for a full, independent investigation and will keep the public informed as developments occur.