West Alton Marina manager arrest for alleged sex crimes

[John Mercier]

Well, technically... he is outed.
So why leave?

[tis]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Well, technically... he is outed.
So why leave?

I think he left before he was outed.

[upthesaukee]

Back in 2014, he discussed being gay and was one of the first gay police chiefs. It's not like he was being "outed" by all this.

Dave

[tis]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Back in 2014, he discussed being gay and was one of the first gay police chiefs. It's not like he was being "outed" by all this.

Dave

I think by outed they meant more than just the fact he is gay. More like they knew what was going on.

[John Mercier]

Outed mean homosexual.

If he knew more, and didn't act, he could be criminally charged.
That could even put the Town of Gilford in the sights of the lawyers.

If the marina's insurance won't cover the suit, and the marina may not be as deep a well as some think, moving toward the ex-Chief and the town would be the next well.

[tis]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Outed mean homosexual.

If he knew more, and didn't act, he could be criminally charged.
That could even put the Town of Gilford in the sights of the lawyers.

If the marina's insurance won't cover the suit, and the marina may not be as deep a well as some think, moving toward the ex-Chief and the town would be the next well.

I would have to be living in a cave if I didn't know what outed means.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Outed mean homosexual.

If he knew more, and didn't act, he could be criminally charged.
That could even put the Town of Gilford in the sights of the lawyers.

If the marina's insurance won't cover the suit, and the marina may not be as deep a well as some think, moving toward the ex-Chief and the town would be the next well.

He cannot act on something that is outside his jurisdiction. The Gilford Police Chief has no power in Alton so there is nothing for him to act on.

The town of Gilford has no liability in this matter. What an employee does on his own time in a different town is not the responsibility of the town.

Being named in the investigation as having been somehow involved in this out of town matter may reflect poorly on him but unless his conduct was criminal it will end there. If there was no criminal conduct on his part, and what happens between two consenting adults is not criminal, then it will end there.

It remains to be seen if there is more to the story.

Attachments of more than $6 million worth of assets are being sought against West Alton Marina and its owners by four plaintiffs who have filed civil suits. The plaintiffs are asking the court to seize a total of $6,750,000 in assets to ensure there will be funds available to pay any any damages that might be awarded as part of the final judgment in their cases.

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...23ec8eb3b.html

[John Mercier]

Sorry, but as a part of his office... he must forward the complaint.
So yes, he would have had the power to act and chose not to... if it is determined that he knew of the situation.

''A public servant, as defined in RSA 640:2, II, is guilty of a misdemeanor if, with a purpose to benefit himself or another or to harm another, he knowingly commits an unauthorized act which purports to be an act of his office; or knowingly refrains from performing a duty imposed on him by law or clearly inherent in the nature of his office.''

The town would have an employee that committed a crime, just like the marina.
The town could be held liable for the actions of the employee, just like the marina.

The nature of his employment, in this situation, does not allow for ''personal'' time.

[SailinAway]

In any case, under NH law everyone is required to report abuse of a minor or elderly person.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Sorry, but as a part of his office... he must forward the complaint.
So yes, he would have had the power to act and chose not to... if it is determined that he knew of the situation.

''A public servant, as defined in RSA 640:2, II, is guilty of a misdemeanor if, with a purpose to benefit himself or another or to harm another, he knowingly commits an unauthorized act which purports to be an act of his office; or knowingly refrains from performing a duty imposed on him by law or clearly inherent in the nature of his office.''

The town would have an employee that committed a crime, just like the marina.
The town could be held liable for the actions of the employee, just like the marina.

The nature of his employment, in this situation, does not allow for ''personal'' time.

Your post is full of speculation. You are jumping to conclusions not supported by the evidence. There has been no evidence thus far that the Chief broke any laws.

Forward the complaint? There has been nothing revealed so far to determine that the Chief got any complaints.

This was in the news: "One of the suits alleges that Murray told the plaintiff that it would be useless for him to go to police because he was having sex with the Gilford police chief and another officer and so was “untouchable.”

That sentence doesn't say that the Chief did anything wrong or illegal. He is not responsible for Murray's claims, and may not even be aware of them. It is legal for the Chief to have a relationship with Murray.

The town would have an employee that committed a crime? What crime? There has been no evidence thus far that the chief knew of the illegal activities of Murray and his partner, only a claim by Murray that had had a relationship with the chief.

The nature of his employment does not allow for personal time? So in a jurisdiction where he has no police powers, when he is not at work, and where you have no facts to show he knew of any crimes, you still think he "refrained from a duty imposed upon him by law?" And, you think the town of Gilford is somehow liable?

If, as you claim, he has no personal time, and the town is somehow liable for his actions all the time, and must report crimes, would you say the town of Gilford was somehow responsible if the Chief failed to report a violation of law, say, while vacationing in California? You know, like saw a speeder in a car but didn't report it?

[John Mercier]

If you have been reading... we are speculating why the resignation?

It wasn't because he was homosexual. So what was it?

If he knew... or even suspected... do to interaction with any of the parties... his duty is to move it to the Alton Chief and the AG.

And no, a police chief can not state ''I was off duty when the crime happened''... ''I was off duty when suspicion of a crime was happening''... ''I heard the rumor when I was off duty''.

The law does not allow for that.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

If you have been reading... we are speculating why the resignation?

It wasn't because he was homosexual. So what was it?

If he knew... or even suspected... do to interaction with any of the parties... his duty is to move it to the Alton Chief and the AG.

And no, a police chief can not state ''I was off duty when the crime happened''... ''I was off duty when suspicion of a crime was happening''... ''I heard the rumor when I was off duty''.

The law does not allow for that.

"We" are not speculating. I am speaking of known facts and pointing out where your speculation does not agree with the facts.

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Possibly the off chance that a charge of Official Oppression could be registered.
If further investigation revealed that the Chief was doing as the accused stated and setting aside complaints rather than investigating them.

None of us will really know for some time as cases take a while to make it through the court system.

You are the only one speculating, and doing so with a lack of information and distortion of the actual facts. Among other errors, the accused (Murray) never stated that the Chief was setting aside complaints. Murray said that there was no point in going to the police because of his relationship with the Chief. You turned that into the accused stating the chief was setting aside complaints, and added the possibility of official oppression.

At this point, what is known is the Chief may have had a relationship with Murray. That is all. There has been no public accusation of anything illegal on the part of the Chief. Turning that into liability for the town is, at this time, a stretch. More information will certainly come out as the legal process continues.

[TiltonBB]

The financial aspects of this matter should be interesting.

The accusers families have asked for an attachment of over $6 million on the marina. Meredith Village Savings Bank has a mortgage of over $5 million on the property. That will total over $11 million in liens, if nothing else comes up.

Looking at recent sales and comparing what Channel Marine and Thurston's Marina sold for it is hard to see a property valuation that will be anywhere near that for West Alton Marina.

[winni83]

The existence of the mortgage and the attachment liens, if they are upheld, will certainly impact any voluntary sale. But a foreclosure of the mortgage will extinguish the attachments, with the proviso that any excess foreclosure sale proceeds above the amount owed to the mortgagee will go first to valid junior lienors and then to the owner. This assumes that taxes and other municipal liens are current. Candidate for a Chapter 11 filing?

[Descant]

Not part of this thread directly, but I am under the impression that WAM planned some major upgrades and/or expansion. If that is the case, and the work has not been done, the bank may still have some of the funds held back and the eventual debt could be much less. Is there work in progress? If I were a contractor, I'd want payment in advance. It would probably sell for more if it went condo.

[Patiently Watching]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

The financial aspects of this matter should be interesting.

The accusers families have asked for an attachment of over $6 million on the marina. Meredith Village Savings Bank has a mortgage of over $5 million on the property. That will total over $11 million in liens, if nothing else comes up.

Looking at recent sales and comparing what Channel Marine and Thurston's Marina sold for it is hard to see a property valuation that will be anywhere near that for West Alton Marina.

West Alton Marina is quite the property and definitely has more land value than the others.

[TiltonBB]

Fifth lawsuit filed, by a female

As with the four suits filed earlier, the plaintiff is alleging that she suffered physical harm and continues to suffer from emotional distress which has required therapy and counseling.

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...0ffd42959.html

[lagoon]

All of this is following a not unknown pattern. As a former customer I wish I had been more tuned into the illegal behavior towards youth there. I will say that one of the fellows on trial actually tried to pick me up while there for boat service. His remarks were way off base and looking back I should have done something other than telling him I did not "go that direction".

If guilty, they will both be out of commission for long time. The marina will be sold and the rich heritage of the Colby family will be stained because of these two sick individuals.

[TiltonBB]

In the new filing, lawyers for West Alton Marina, Fortier and Murray are asking a judge to move at least two of the lawsuits from state to federal court.

https://www.wmur.com/article/west-al...court/40278166

[John Mercier]

From the newscast, I think they are arguing that the cases fall under federal law , but not State law.

I would think that NH RSA 354-A:7 Section V (5) should cover that.

''V. Harassment on the basis of sex constitutes unlawful sex discrimination. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:
(a) Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment;
(b) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or
(c) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment."

[wentworthwhitbreadIII]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

From the newscast, I think they are arguing that the cases fall under federal law , but not State law.

I would think that NH RSA 354-A:7 Section V (5) should cover that.

''V. Harassment on the basis of sex constitutes unlawful sex discrimination. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:
(a) Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment;
(b) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or
(c) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment."

I suggest checking with the former chief of police in Gilford if anyone wants more information on the situation at WAM. He appears to have intimate knowledge and some time on his hands.


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[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

"We" are not speculating. I am speaking of known facts and pointing out where your speculation does not agree with the facts.


You are the only one speculating, and doing so with a lack of information and distortion of the actual facts. Among other errors, the accused (Murray) never stated that the Chief was setting aside complaints. Murray said that there was no point in going to the police because of his relationship with the Chief. You turned that into the accused stating the chief was setting aside complaints, and added the possibility of official oppression.

At this point, what is known is the Chief may have had a relationship with Murray. That is all. There has been no public accusation of anything illegal on the part of the Chief. Turning that into liability for the town is, at this time, a stretch. More information will certainly come out as the legal process continues.

No. If you read the posts... different people posted on what might be the reason for his resignation.

Since it isn't his sexuality... and no one can think of a good reason... I speculated that he may have had some insight into rumors, and failure to pass those to other authorities would be official oppression.

So far. No one has come up with any reason that he would resign. People knew he was homosexual. He isn't the first official, even a local police chief to have an adulterous affair... not even news around here... and the only time it has been news is when the official failed their duty.

Even a misdemeanor conviction against a police officer is not that unusual... so I am open minded as to what it may be.

Personally, I don't think it is any more of a stretch than the silent partner sisters. They didn't commit the claimed acts; we don't even know if they had heard any rumors or had any knowledge of it.

What we know is that well is only so deep, and we don't know what property was pledged in support of the bank note. Was it just the marina, or did it include homes and other property?

The chief's resignation seems odd with the history that we have around here.

[camp guy]

I think what mcdude had to say last evening was appropriate, but I fear that as this thread moves through time it (the thread) could easily deteriorate into something rather unseemly. Maybe it is time to let this topic rest and move on to topics more about boating, restaurants, and lake life.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Before we let it rest, may I mention the best selling novel, Peyton Place, written by Grace Metalious (sic) about a small NH town. Does this ring a bell? At the time, it was s shocking tale. Hmmm…

[Mr. V]

Speculation: Perhaps the chief resigned because he suspected his relationship with one of the accused would become known and cast him in a bad light, personally and professionally.

Question: did he resign before the story of the sexual abuse broke in the media?

If so, perhaps he knew about it and figured "Uh oh, I'm in an impossible position."

If he resigned after it broke then he probably read the hand writing on the wall and left to avoid further scandal.

Sad, either way: it seems he was a competent policeman; hopefully he'll do OK elsewhere.

[John Mercier]

Shocking at the time.
Today it would be rather tepid.

Winni83... I think I am more questioning what the final sales value would be?
It obviously speculation... but rising interest rates and the shadow of a serious recession... simply make me wonder if there would be enough to even come close to covering the lawsuit; should it come to that.

I can't seem to find records on incorporation... but it may be that I am not looking under the correct name.

[winni83]

John, the name is West Alton Marina, LLC. It is a Delaware LLC registered to do business in NH.

https://quickstart.sos.nh.gov/online...usinessID=4731

[SailinAway]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

No. If you read the posts... different people posted on what might be the reason for his resignation. . . . The chief's resignation seems odd with the history that we have around here.

Sometimes people resign hastily to head off an investigation. That doesn't indicate guilt, though. It seems unlikely that the resignation is completely unrelated to the marina affair, given the timing. That would seem to indicate that the chief foresaw that the investigation into Murray would turn up something unfavorable to the chief that would result in his firing. Better to quit than be fired. I'm only speculating.

[John Mercier]

That was my thoughts.
But I just can't imagine what.

I just can't imagine that the lawyer working for the plaintiffs would not pursue that.
It may lead to nothing, but advocating for your client should lead you somewhat in that direction.

[SailinAway]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

That was my thoughts. But I just can't imagine what. I just can't imagine that the lawyer working for the plaintiffs would not pursue that. It may lead to nothing, but advocating for your client should lead you somewhat in that direction.

The chief must have resigned based on legal advice, indicating that what the public doesn't know about his case is not small. NHPR, May 3: "[The chief] had been on paid leave since Jan. 10. He has been the subject of a criminal investigation by the Public Integrity Unit of the state Attorney General‘s Criminal Justice Bureau." Four months later, the AG apparently had discovered enough to convince Bean Burpee to resign.

This statement by Brian Fortier is pretty strange and disingenuous given that he was or is married to John Murray, according to the lawsuit: "Our family is shocked and deeply saddened by the disturbing allegations against former employee John Murray."

[CaptT820]

I agree with others, that until we have more information, there isnt much else to say on this topic from an evidence standpoint. However, it does affect many boaters, slip renters, etc. in the fact that the Marina may change hands. It would be difficult renting a slip at West Alton right now, as you have a prime spot with a lot of amenities but a very questionable/unstable ownership situation.

By pure speculation, I imagine the asking price for the marina would be in the $40-$70M range. 162 Acres, with 440 slips at an average of $4500-$5000 annual rent, dockside market, fuel, commercial operations, location.. location... location. It is a high interest rate market, with a tenuous legal situation, crazy high demand with no supply, and how often does a marina actually go up for sale on the lake? When a one of one situation comes up (unique), the sky is the limit on price.

[TiltonBB]

Marina sales on the lake are not all that uncommon.

Channel Marine, Thurston's, Shep Brown's, and the Pier all sold within the last four years. None of the sale prices exceeded $3.5 million and some were much less. However, none had the number of slips that West Alton has.

If the buyer pays a price on the high end, arriving at that price based upon cash flow, that could be a problem if the economy continues to slow down. The economy is cyclical and when it slows down the income may not be enough to satisfy the debt. Empty slips don't generate any income.

[LikeLakes]

Originally Posted by CaptT820

By pure speculation, I imagine the asking price for the marina would be in the $40-$70M range.

I really don't think so. I realize you are just speculating, so who knows, but while it is a very valuable property I don't believe it is anywhere near that range.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by LikeLakes

I really don't think so. I realize you are just speculating, so who knows, but while it is a very valuable property I don't believe it is anywhere near that range.

Go condo young man. 440 slips at~$100 K is $44,000,000, plus valet and other assets. Slips at MVYC are going for $175K.