Eric Spofford, the founder and former CEO of Granite Recovery Centers, New Hampshire’s largest addiction treatment network, was arrested for allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy to stalk and harass journalists in retaliation for negative reporting. The Justice Department announced accusations against Spofford, 40, on charges including conspiracy to commit stalking and stalking using interstate commerce.
From March to May 2022, Spofford reportedly devised a plan to intimidate a reporter from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), her family, and a senior editor, following unfavorable NHPR reports detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive management tied to Spofford. Although Spofford denied these allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against NHPR, a judge dismissed the case.
Prosecutors allege that Spofford paid a close friend $20,000 to vandalize the homes of the journalists involved, which included throwing rocks and bricks and spray-painting threatening messages. This friend had assistance from three others who are currently incarcerated for their involvement in the harassment.
NHPR President Jim Schachter expressed gratitude to the Justice Department, emphasizing that assaults on journalists undermine press freedom. Lauren Chooljian, the journalist who conducted the original investigation, did not immediately comment on the situation.
Each of the charges against Spofford could result in a five-year prison sentence, with additional penalties including supervised release and fines. Although Spofford is no longer associated with Granite Recovery Centers—having sold it three years prior—he is set to appear in federal court in Boston on June 2. An attorney for him could not be reached for comments.
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