Stories of 2012: Selectman Investigated by Attorney General

From the editor:

As 2012 winds to a close, I am proud to say that Windham Patch is about to log its first complete year in the books.

Since January, the town has seen a blend of stories. There have been articles of bravery, sorrow, leadership, accomplishment, teamwork, controversy and growth.

All the while, many of you have come to my site as a direct source for your information, and for that I am thankful.

You have found the site on Facebook and Twitter. You have called me personally or sent me an email to offer kind words or constructive criticism.

Some have even stopped to have a chat with me in person as I've traveled around town.

As we inch toward 2013, join me as I count down some of the biggest 10 stories of the year between today and Dec. 31. Thank you for making this a wonderful year.

Enjoy the final days of 2012. I can't wait to see what the new year has in store!

Sincerely,

Michael Ryan

4. Investigation of Selectman Becomes a Whole Lot of Nothing

Starting in February, a saga involving fantasy football and a local Selectman lasted for months.

Windham Patch first reported on Feb. 20 that work emails may contain ethical concerns for board member Ross McLeod.

Those ethics compounded from issues of town politics to possible illegal gambling, as a right-to-know request by a local political activist on McLeod's Hillsborough County Attorney email account surfaced some correspondences involving fantasy football.

The problem got worse for McLeod, who resigned his prosecutor position at the Hillsborough Office, but he later withdrew his resignation. That withdrawal was not accepted.

An investigation by the Attorney General's office surfaced out of the illegal gambling allegations.

Despite the ethical and legal allegations, McLeod won back his seat on the Board of Selectmen in March by a landslide.

He also picked up a job at the law office of fellow Selectman Kathleen DiFruscia.

The story exploded when the New Hampshire Attorney General's office issued a search warrant on McLeod's home, seized his electronics and alleged possible witness tampering in the gambling investigation.

The Attorney General's office announced in October that charges would not be filed, clearing McLeod's name.

Catch up on the other stories of 2012:

10. Man Saved After Falling Through Canobie Lake Ice

9. A Paralyzed Man and his Ironman Dream

8. 

7. Fire Ravages Rockingham Road Salon

6. Medical Businesses Crop Up in Windham

5.