New Hampshire

Citing Failures, New Hampshire AG Takes Over County Prosecutor's Office

Hillsborough County Attorney Michael Conlon was removed from office and former Manchester Police Chief David Mara is overseeing day-to-day responsibilities

New Hampshire's attorney general has taken over criminal law enforcement functions of the prosecutor's office in the state's most populated county, citing failures in leadership in several cases and no sign of improvement.

Attorney General Gordon MacDonald on Friday sent a letter to Hillsborough County Attorney Michael Conlon on Friday. He appointed former Manchester Police Chief David Mara as an assistant attorney general to oversee day-to-day prosecutorial responsibilities.

Conlon was elected to county attorney and started in January. Messages were left for him seeking comment.

Conlon on Thursday wrote a letter rejecting a call to resign and asked for MacDonald to make resources available to his office.

Conlon has been criticized on several cases, including one where charges were dropped in a domestic violence case that resulted in a death.

Gov. Chris Sununu issued a statement Friday afternoon saying Mara was a good choice to take over the position.

"Chief Mara has served in an exemplary manner as our state's Drug Czar and has an incredible record in law enforcement – specifically in Hillsborough County. The Attorney General has requested his assistance in the County Attorney’s Office. We thank him for his willingness to take on this critical challenge on behalf of our state," wrote Sununu.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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