Milton man nabbed in backpage beating, robbery

Joel Leary (Police photo)

SOMERSWORTH, N.H. - The Milton man sought on suspicion of his involvement in a robbery and beating of a man in connection with a backpage.com post was arrested on Tuesday.

Joel Leary, of 16 McKeagney Road, Milton, was arrested at 238 Main St., Somersworth, on a warrant charging him with conspiracy to commit robbery. Police said in a press release they had learned that Leary was in a particular vehicle in the area and observed it in the driveway of 238 Main St. around 5:45 p.m. Leary was found hiding in the trunk of a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.

Backpage.com is a well-known haven for advertising illegal sexual activity such as prostitution and escort services. It is believed the victim was enticed to an apartment at nearby 240 Main St. in Somersworth, where back on Jan. 17 he entered the premises to see a woman, shortly after which three males entered, beat and robbed him, police say.

The victim suffered facial cuts and bruising.

Initially arrested in the case were Felicia Smart, 22, of 220 Long Shore Road, Barrington, on charges of violation of probation; and Edwin Dorr, 29, of 6 Plaza Terrace, Somersworth, on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Then on Monday Somersworth Police arrested Matthew E. Nuernberg, 22, and Chelsey Barratt, 20, both of Apt. 2B, 240 Main St, who were both charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

Leary, meanwhile, is being held at the Strafford County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

Also arrested was the driver of the Chevrolet, Jennifer Chandler, 26, of 238 Main St., Somersworth. She was charged with hindering apprehension.