"Two arrested after Concord jewelry store break-in" by John R. Ellement | Globe staff October 03, 2014
With the help of a State Police dog, Concord police arrested a man and a woman early Friday shortly after they allegedly forced their way inside a jewelry store in the town center, smashed open a counter with a large rock, and fled with a cache of jewelry, police said.
After the break-in, the two suspects jumped into a Chrysler 200 but were quickly spotted by police at the intersection of Walden Street and Route 2, police said. The driver sped off, ultimately leading police on a chase through town for about 10 miles and at speeds that hit 65 miles an hour while on Route 2, said Concord Police Chief Joseph F. O’Connor.
Police followed the car into a cul-de-sac on Baker Avenue, where the woman, identified as Tara Felts, raised her hands and surrendered to police while sitting in the passenger seat of the car, O’Connor said.
The driver, identified as 37-year-old Clifton Pinion, jumped from the vehicle and ran into nearby swamp land, the chief said. Officers set up a perimeter, State Police dispatched a K-9 dog, and within 20 minutes, Pinion was in custody, too, O’Connor said.
Pinion, who is homeless, was bitten by the dog during his capture and was treated at a hospital and released, authorities said....
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"Judge’s bid to cut sex assault sentence draws ire" Associated Press October 04, 2014
CONCORD, N.H. — A New Hampshire judge’s intent to reduce the prison sentence he handed down days earlier in a child sexual assault case has sparked outrage among prosecutors, police, victim advocates, and the victim.
Carroll County Superior Court Judge David Garfunkel sentenced Joshua Baud of Wakefield Sept. 26 to serve 7½ years on two convictions of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl eight years ago. Four days later, Garfunkel told the prosecutor and defense attorney he intends to reduce Baud’s sentence to six years at a hearing set for Oct. 7.
‘‘I’m just appalled by it,’’ the victim’s mother said Friday. ‘‘I just think it’s very unfair. I don’t understand why he’s doing it.’’
Garfunkel told lawyers Tuesday the sentence was too harsh, according to prosecutors who were in court. A judicial branch spokeswoman said Garfunkel would not comment on a pending matter. Baud’s lawyer did not immediately return a call.
Melissa Couture, executive director of North Conway-based Starting Point, said her agency has reached out to more than 500 constituents asking them to join a silent protest at the courthouse for Tuesday’s hearing.
‘‘When we heard this we were just outraged,’’ Couture said. ‘‘This is a call to action.’’
Carroll County Attorney Robin Gordon is objecting, saying the judge does not have the authority to amend the sentence. She said it is unfair to all involved.
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Also see:
Concord residents unfazed by minor earthquake
Inmates help rescue camp from bed bugs
Time to put this post to sleep.
UPDATE: Sex-assault sentence returns to court after judge’s waffling
It took 18 months?
