Comment
Print
ROCHESTER - A former state rep from Rochester was sentenced today to a year's confinement for stealing about $10,000 from the Strafford County Republican Committee.
Fred Leonard, 54, a former vice president of the Rochester Taxpayer's Association and vocal activist at City Council Meetings, was working as the treasurer for the Strafford County GOP when the theft occurred.
Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi, who prosecuted the case, said Leonoard's felony conviction on the charge of theft by unauthorized taking shows no matter what stature you may have in the community or your station in life, you will be held accountable for your actions.
The year's confinement imposed by Judge Steven M. Houran means that Leonard will spend 12 months either on supervised work release or confined to his home on a GPS bracelet.
With good behavior, Leonard could be released in eight months.
Rochester Police got involved in the case in January 2015 when committee members reported a possible crime.
Leonard remains free for now but will have to report to the Strafford County House of Correction at 5 p.m. on May 13 to begin his sentence.
Leonard has already made some restitution of the money he stole, but still has about $8,500 he still owes to the Strafford County GOP, Velardi said.
During his plea and sentencing today at Strafford County Superior Court, Leonard apologized for what he did and admitted it was aberrant behavior.
Defense attorney Sven Wiberg had asked for a totally suspended sentence considering Leonard's lack of criminal history, while Velardi argued for a full year in county jail.
The Class A felony could have drawn up to a 15-year prison term.
Ironically, Leonard, who has run for city mayor, city council, and been a political activist in the city for years, will not be able to vote in this November's presidential election, since technically he will still be incarcerated.
All material on this site is copyright protected under penalty of federal law