Staff reports 5:54 p.m.
Monday, July 27, 2020 5:54 pm

CONCORD - The state Attorney General's Office announced today that a former State Trooper has stepped down after an agreement was reached with the state over allegations that he was not truthful regarding a Madison drug investigation.

On Feb. 20 the New Hampshire State Police reported to the Attorney General's Office an allegation that James Callahan may have engaged in criminal conduct in connection with a Jan. 4 incident in Madison, in which Callahan, while on-duty and conducting an investigation, was alleged to have falsified date information on a DSSP 20 Lab Transmittal Form.

The allegation was thoroughly investigated and reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General, during which evidence was also discovered that Callahan had made false statements in a portion of his official report concerning the Madison investigation. Specifically it was determined that Callahan had not been truthful about where a K-9 drug-detection search had occurred.

The Madison investigation, still pending in Carroll County Superior Court, alleges Timothy Owen committed crimes of reckless conduct and criminal mischief. No drug charges were filed.

Based on its investigation, the Office of the Attorney General has concluded that there is probable cause to bring two charges of unsworn falsification (RSA 641:3), both misdemeanor offenses, against Callahan. However, because of the defenses available to Callahan stemming from inconsistencies in witness statements and reports, the Office of the Attorney General concluded that the State would have difficulty prevailing at trial in this matter.

Under these circumstances and in the interest of justice, the Office of the Attorney General and Callahan have reached a resolution. Callahan agreed to resign from his position as a Trooper with the New Hampshire State Police, effective July 14, agreed to forfeit his certification as a police officer in New Hampshire, and has agreed not to seek recertification in the future.

The Office of the Attorney General has agreed that it will not bring charges against Mr. Callahan.

The Office of the Attorney General's file in this matter will remain open for a period of two years to monitor Callahan's adherence to the terms and conditions of the agreement, at which time the Office of the Attorney General will close the matter with no further action.

In the event he does not abide by the terms of the agreement, the Office of the Attorney General may bring forward the criminal charges against him.