Editor’s note: A reader complained that this news release from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office didn’t include information giving context to what happened Nov. 20, 2023 when three people were arrested at first. Here is the story InDepthNH.org published after it happened. We often receive news releases from government agencies that include inadequate information and usually we try to obtain more information although we often don’t get it. I didn’t take the time to make sure this release was clear to the reader, although I do think it is important for our readers to see what information the government is sending to the press and what information it is withholding. I apologize to our readers and will try to do better.
https://indepthnh.org/2023/11/20/3-accused-of-riot-sabotage-after-pro-palestine-protest-at-israeli-owned-plant-in-merrimack/
At the end of the Attorney General’s news release, it says “Additionally, the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit has been actively monitoring the criminal cases and has opened a separate investigation.” I am writing a right-to-know request to find out what we can about the civil rights investigation. I appreciate the feedback and the fact the our readers demand more information from their government officials and a better job from InDepthNH.org. Thanks, Nancy West
News release: Concord, NH — Attorney General John M. Formella announces that co-defendants Sophie Ross, Bridget Shergalis, Paige Belanger, and Calla Walsh each pled guilty to and were sentenced today, in Hillsborough County Superior Court – Southern District, on one count of conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and one count of criminal trespass, class A misdemeanors.
On November 20, 2023, just before 8:00 a.m., Ross, Shergalis, Belanger and Walsh travelled to Elbit Systems of America in Merrimack, New Hampshire with a group of individuals intent on causing damage to the property. At the time, Elbit Systems employees were already arriving for work, and were present inside the building. After arriving, Ross, Shergalis, and Walsh climbed a ladder to the roof of the Elbit America building where they vandalized the property by smashing a skylight, damaging the ventilation system with a hammer, damaging the roof membrane, graffitiing messages on the building, and dumping paint down the sign on the front of the building. Belanger remained on the ground level outside the front doors of the Elbit America building where she vandalized the property by throwing jars of paint at the windows and doors, smashing the windows, and smashing a glass door with a hammer. In total, the defendants caused approximately $95,645 in damage to Elbit Systems of America’s property. In addition to the property damage caused by the defendants, employees inside the building experienced extreme emotional distress at the actions of the defendants.
The defendants were each sentenced to 12 months at the Valley Street House of Corrections in Manchester, New Hampshire, with all but 60 days deferred for 6 months, then further suspended for a period of 2 ½ years, with an additional 12 months suspended on the second misdemeanor charge. The suspended sentences are conditioned on the defendants continued good behavior; paying restitution in full to Elbit Systems of America, joint and several between them; completing community service supporting southern New Hampshire charities within 6 months of their release from incarceration; and not coming within 300 feet of any Elbit property. Should the defendants engage in any unlawful activity or fail to comply with the conditions outlined by the court, the suspended sentences may be imposed.
The resolution reached with these defendants balances the needs of sentencing, as well as the goals of the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the victim, Elbit Systems of America, to ensure the defendants make Elbit America whole by paying restitution in full, completing community service within the community they disrupted, and by facing a significant period of incarceration. This resolution also serves the broader goal of deterrence and sends a clear message from law enforcement that criminal conduct aimed at disrupting businesses and communities will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.
The Merrimack, New Hampshire Police Department assisted the New Hampshire Department of Justice in investigating these cases.
Additionally, the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit has been actively monitoring the criminal cases and has opened a separate investigation.
