YOUR COMMENTS

Whom passed a law for someone to seek an annulment? What does this do for the voter. Someone commits a crime and our liberal courts grant an annulment? Crazy and absurd! Lovejoy is and will always be a convicted criminal in my eyes and how are we the voters to know so? Has anyone asked where the sheriff got his information? I heard the file at the Seabrook Police station is missing. Who at the Seabrook Police leaked this stupid annulment to Linnehan? Why is the file gone? There is more to this story not being told. Why is the AGs office not looking further? Who was the arresting officer? Can you imagine an annulled Rockingham County Sheriff? Lovejoy has no law enforcement background other than being convicted for whatever and then his annulment. This whole thing is absurd! I have been told Linnehan did a great job and we have lost a great dedicated county employee over an annulled convicted criminal.
- Arleigh, Seabrook

Yes they made a mistake and are now out of a job. Do I think they should lose their pensions no. If they were charged with a crime then the pension would be at risk. They were not.

Gary/Hampton- you forgot in your Republican rant to blame this all on George W - give it a rest.

Sam/Pembroke - The only people that can "fire" a county sheriff are the voters at the next election that is why Linehan wasn't fired.

Patrick/Nashua - The Sheriff has been around NH since the 1600's. The vast majority of Sheriff's in our state history have had excellent reputations and records. The 10 county Sheriff's are and should remain the most powerful uniformed law enforcement officers in the state.
- Kevin, Nashua

Shades of the GOP phone-jamming scandal. Shades of former Republican Speaker of the House Gene Chandler's campaign contributions violations. Once again, Republicans have been caught in a shady scheme. What has the GOP learned from its repeated misadventures? Absolutely nothing. The Republican-dominated Rockingham County legislative delegation will select another Republican as sheriff to replace the two disgraced Republicans. Party loyalty is more important than a willingness to select the most qualified candidate, regardless of party.
- Gary Patton, Hampton

Why aren't these cops prosecuted? If anything, the fact that they were cops should make it all the more reason to prosecute them. They will just go to another state and become "punks" with a badge again.

What should we expect? These are the type of people who are hired as cops in the first place. People with no skills and a "God" complex.
- David, Bedford

Why aren't these cops prosecuted? If anything, the fact that they were cops should make it all the more reason to prosecute them. They will just go to another state and become "punks" with a badge again.

What should we expect? These are the type of people who are hired as cops in the first place. People with no skills and a "God" complex.
- David, Bedford

Hey people, there is something stupid going on here. AG Ayatte should have prevented this Lovejoy character from running for office of sheriff period. Lovejoy exibited less than honorable character by running for the high office of sheriff, knowing full well of his arrest and conviction, annulment or not. This Delaney exhibited a high school drama portrayal of demeaning these two fine career officers with his lack of linguistics. I personally know one of these heros, a former marine who has dedicated his life of SERVICE to America, on the battle field in Vietnam and the homefront of community. Lovejoy doesn't hold a match to these heros. Do me a favor AG, sharpen your pencil and sign up for English 101. Union Leader, annulment is spelled with one "L" Websters.
- Frank Lasorsa, Stratham

If he is so honorable and wants to spare the sheriff's office the "stress" of a legal fight, then why doesn't he just plead guilty and accept the consequences? He can't because he's a coward for a sheriff and has been for a long time. He's just good at concealing it.

Many other citizens are forced to plea-bargain and forced to accept deals when county attorneys come calling and try to ram charges down their throats. This is such obvious "pig"wash:

"....a prolonged disagreement with the Attorney General’s Office potentially would cripple the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to function as a cohesive law enforcement unit. I cannot accept those consequences for the many honorable people who toil selflessly for the Sheriff’s Office or the fine people of Rockingham County merely to prove that I did not violate a statute...."

I really don't think he cares one wit about the people of and who work for Rockingham County. This is just self-preservation. Pure and simple.

It also proves that the criminal mind set can be found on both sides of the law, even in our own NH backyard. Disgusting.
- Chris, Auburn

Oh yeah, so accountable. How about prosecuting them and taking away their fat pensions for doing the wrong thing. Give me a break, there is no accountability here, just another good old boys deal and they go on their way with no consequence for their actions. The theory here is, yeah you caught me so I dont want to play anymore, let me write a little note to the public then ill just leave, that is bullcrap!
- Tom, Derry NH

What a joke this guy is....he acts like he is leaving by choice to spare all of us citizens a "prolonged disagreement with the Attorney Generals Office. My guess is it went something like this; resign and give up your police certification forever (he seems to fail to mention that in his letter to the delegation) or we will arrest you. Period. In fairness to Linehan, anyone who has ever had a conversation with him knows there is NO WAY he wrote that resignation letter. As far as Pierce goes, sounds like he had too many sips of Linehan's Kool-Aid. Thought he was smarter than this, guess not.
- Jay Mack, Portsmouth

"Since I became aware of the investigation in June, it has been difficult to properly manage the affairs of the Sheriff’s Office"

Maybe Mr. Linehan should have resigned in June if he couldn't perform his duties. It appears we have had a law enforcement agency attempting to protect the citizens of Rockingham County that has been ineffectively managed for more than 5 months.

The Portsmouth Herald printed that Mr. Linehan previously reported to them when he was first appointed that "his first accomplishment was removing personnel who were not performing as expected." Apparently our new Attorney General has the same goals as Mr. Linehan once did. How does it feel to be on the other side of the fence?

Today is a good day for Rockingham County. Let's hope the delegation recognizes the opportunity they have been given to appoint a new leader...
- Patrick, Exeter, NH

Why would they have to lose their retirements for a misdemeanor? They worked for it, and had to contribute their own money. Isn't it enough to lose a career?

Wish other politicians would have the same thing happen to them when their campaign released information concerning an opponent. I guess it's ok to lie, but not release accurate information that a judge said "no no" to.
- Tom, Laconia

The sheriff's still getting preferential treatment from the AG. Let's say I commit a crime at my place of work and I get caught. Would I be able to avoid criminal charges for just resigning my position? No way. And to top it off, his pension probably remains in tact. What a crooked state of affairs.
- Mike, Manchester

Ignorance of the law is no excuse...I've heard it before, and now certain former law enforcement officers know it. Enjoy retirement with huge pension payments! And Happy Thanksgiving!
- Kevin, Portsmouth, NH

Why were these two not fired? They are allowed to resign, meaning they get full retirement, accrued leave days, sick days, etc. This is SOME punishment for serious wrongdoing.
- sam mcguire, pembroke nh

And their retirement benefits are A LOT better than those of us poor working stiffs.
- Deb, Portsmouth

The law they "violated" is one of the most ridiculous laws that are in the NH law books in my opinion. Here is an example: Someone 7 years ago goes to your home and smashes all your windows. They are arrested, convicted and sentenced. Years later they request and are granted an annullment. The homeowner then see the person who smashed all his windows. The homeowner then mentions to his buddy that he smashed all the windows in his house. Guess what? Johnny homeowner violated the law by sharing this TRUTHFULL information to his friend. NO ONE, not just the police can mention the conviction. I have always been a critic of this law and wish the officers took this to court
- Alan, Laconia

This is another example why it's wrong that the Sheriff is the highest ranking law enforcement officer in the county.

The highest ranking officer should never one that was elected, it should be one that has substantial experience and an outstanding record.
- Patrick, Nashua

Cheryl
They paid into the system for years, they get the benefit. They havent been charged with any crime. Why dont you do something stupid, then relinquish every thing you have for the future even if you havent been convicted of a crime. you people amaze me with your self reightous attitudes.
- Steve, Concord

hmmm looks like they resign and still receive complete retirement benefits. NICE!
- Cheryl, Manchester

Sounds like normal politics to me....Releasing old stories and scandals about ones apponent is par for the course. With all of the corrupt politicians out there I would like to know who is going to try and run my NH LAW ENFORCEMENT agency. If the details of ones character must be depicted through your CRIMINAL record then that is good by me....annulments included!!!! The law was broken and these two officers have to lose there jobs, which is unfortunate but appropriate. I still want to thank them, at least we know the truth!
- Mark, Manchester

Adios, law breaker!
- DM, Hampton

Wow, finally, cops being held responsible for their actions. If Ayotte was still in office none of this would even have come to light. Finally somone who will listen to the citizens and assert their rights. Does this mean all citizens are equal now in NH. Police are still citizens yet under Ayotte they were given get out of jail free cards. A new AG and 6 officers have now been charged with serious crimes. Keep it up AG's and don't back down from the corrupt police of this state.
- Jim, Manchester

I guess they found out no one is above the law. Now there's a new sheriff in town.
- JOB, Raymond