Litchfield chief found guilty in sex harassment case

Litchfield Police Chief Benjamin Sargent (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - The Attorney General's Office announced that Chief Benjamin Sargent of the Litchfield Police Department has been found guilty of one class B misdemeanor offense of Official Oppression. The circuit court sentenced Sargent to the maximum fine of $1,200.00, plus a $288.00 penalty assessment.

Sargent was previously charged, arrested, and released on personal recognizance on Dec. 29. A bench trial that spanned two days was conducted on March 23 and April 21, in the 9th Circuit - District Division - Merrimack. The circuit court issued its verdict and sentencing order on Wednesday.

Sargent was found guilty of violating RSA 643:1, which states that "[a] public servant, as defined in RSA 640:2, II, is guilty of a misdemeanor if, with a purpose to benefit himself or another or to harm another, he knowingly commits an unauthorized act which purports to be an act of his office; or knowingly refrains from performing a duty imposed on him by law or clearly inherent in the nature of his office."

The circuit court found that the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Sargent violated this statute by sexually harassing a subordinate in violation of official policy.

The Public Integrity Unit of the Attorney General's Office investigates and prosecutes allegations of criminal conduct committed by state officials, judicial officers, and law enforcement officers in the State of New Hampshire. Assistant Attorney General Joe M. Fincham II and Assistant Attorney General Audriana Mekula prosecuted this case with the assistance of Assistant Attorney General Sam Gonyea and Investigator Scott Gilbert.