Any potential action against Gary's will wait till trials are done, liquor chief says

The state's liquor enforcement chief said his department will defer to the criminal cases until they are fully resolved before even considering possible sanctions against the longtime Rochester sports bar. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD, N.H. - The chief of the Division of Enforcement of the state Liquor Commission told The Lebanon Voice on Thursday that any possible sanctions, fines or suspension against Gary's Sports Bar for potential infractions the night Bang N Jane drummer Jim Unfonak was fatally injured in an altercation in the tavern's parking will wait until the criminal cases against those charged in his death are completed.

Unfonak, 44, was taken off life support on Feb. 1 after being declared brain dead Jan. 31 after he was allegedly punched in the head by a Barnstead man who is now facing manslaughter charges.

Eric Langlais, 41, of 31 Lincoln Lane, is alleged to have punched Unfonak in the head using what he described to police as his "knockout" hand, according to a police affidavit. Unfonak fell immediately to the ground unconscious before being rushed to Maine Medical Center in Portland where he later died.

Enforcement Chief James Wilson told The Lebanon Voice in February that in some cases the department doesn't wait until criminal complaints are resolved, but closed the door on that possibility on Thursday.

"Right now we're at the stage where whenever there's a criminal matter pending that's connected to the administrative case, we defer and wait for the criminal action to conclude," Wilson said. "However, we will continue to coordinate with the prosecution and what stage they're at."

In considering any possible sanctions against the longtime sports bar, he has said his department will be looking at several factors, including "responsible service of alcohol" and "operating a place in an orderly fashion," violations Gary's has been tagged with in the past.

Last May they were fined $500 and lost their liquor license for three days for overserving, according to Liquor Commission records.

In December 2011 they were given a verbal warning for a disorderly premise.

The tavern has also been hit with gambling and employee consuming violations, which resulted in fines and license suspension.

Langlais and several of his associates were thrown out of the tavern after an altercation with Unfonak earlier the night of Jan. 30, but according to a police affidavit, they remained in the parking lot spoiling for a fight, one telling a bouncer they wanted a "piece" of Unfonak.

Also charged in the incident are a local man, Forrest Rollins, 42, of Brook St. Rochester, charged with simple assault; and two local women, Mandy Patch, 37, of Old Milton Road, Rochester; and Laurie Henner, 41, of Whitebirch Lane in Farmington.

Patch was charged with one count of simple assault, a Class A misdemeanor and felony riot. She was released on $10,000 personal recognizance bail. Earlier this week it was reported she had reached a tentative plea deal with the state, which would be formalized in 30-45 days.

Henner was charged with one count of felony riot and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. A plea deal has also been offered Henner, but she had not responded as of earlier this week, Assistant County Attorney Tim Sullivan said. Henner's next court hearing is set for next week.

Patch's simple assault charge was for allegedly hitting a female friend of Unfonak's at the scene.

Rollins was charged with simple assault in connection with an altercation inside Gary's Sports Bar involving Unfonak earlier in the night, a source close to the investigation has told The Lebanon Voice. Rochester Police have not confirmed the victim of Rollins' assault was Unfonak, because it is not their policy to name victims. Rollins has a trial date set for June 2 in Rochester District Court.

Langlais faces up to 30 years in prison for manslaughter, while the two women could face up to seven years on the riot charges, with Patch also facing a year in jail on the assault charge. Meanwhile, Rollins faces up to a year in jail.

Langlais remains jailed at Strafford County House of Correction on $25,000 cash. His next court hearing is June 15.