NH Family Farm Terrorized; FBI Offering $10K Reward

HOLLIS, NH -- The FBI on Tuesday asked the public's help finding the person or persons who terrorized a New Hampshire family on their farm over the last two years. Family members at The Rickety Ranch in Hollis have been the target of an extortion plot and have seen some of their animals killed, fires set on their property and threatening letters sent to their house. The FBI said it's offering a $10,000 reward for information.

"The family received multiple extortion letters that were sent in an attempt to collect $250,000," the FBI said in a statement. "In exchange for the payment, the sender offered to spare the family from harm."

The suspect or suspects set fire to the family's barn and vehicles, causing thousands of dollars in damage. The FBI provided a photo of the aftermath of one fire, shown above. Multiple animals, including two dogs shown below, were victims of animal cruelty, the FBI said.

Farm owner Gary Bergeron told Patch his family is trying to maintain their privacy. He declined to elaborate on the FBI's claims.

"We're just going to let them do what they have to do," Bergeron said.

His farm includes horses, chickens, cows, pigs and goats, among other animals. The farm is billed as an "educational rescue farm for kids."

The FBI said the suspect or suspects sent this letter to the family:

"Act 2

I saw your flag on your lawn

And time almost gone

I know your in

Just pay me know and you will win."

FBI Agent Harold Shaw appealed to the public for tips.

"The vicious shakedown of this family and the use of violence to intimidate them will not be tolerated," Shaw said in a statement.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI's Boston office at 1-857-386-2000. Hollis Police Chief Joseph Hoebeke said officers are accepting anonymous tips at hollisnh.org/police/webforms/contact-us.

"The Hollis Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of all our residents and will continue to support the FBI in their investigation," Hoebeke said in a statement.

The FBI provided another photo of fire damage to the family's property:

Lead photo credit: FBI