A New Hampshire man, Eric Labarge, pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in two conspiracies to harass and intimidate two New Hampshire Public Radio journalists. Labarge, along with co-conspirators Tucker Cockerline, Michael Waselchuck, and Keenan Saniatan, targeted the journalists and their families after an article was published about allegations of misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson. Labarge instructed Cockerline to vandalize one reporter’s home with red spray paint and threw a brick through a window, while Saniatan targeted the second reporter’s and the first reporter’s parents’ homes with similar vandalism. Labarge also directed Cockerline to vandalize the parents’ home again, as well as the first journalist’s home in Melrose. Cockerline and Waselchuck, who have also pleaded guilty, await sentencing, while Saniatan’s trial is upcoming.
Labarge pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit stalking and stalking through interstate travel, with each charge carrying a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for October 18, and the case has brought attention to the serious consequences of harassing and intimidating journalists. Press freedom and safety remain important issues in light of this disturbing incident, as media professionals continue to face threats and attacks for their reporting.
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