Ex-CEO of Treatment Network Faces Stalking and Vandalism Charges

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Eric Spofford, the founder and former CEO of Granite Recovery Centers, New Hampshire’s largest network of addiction treatment facilities, is facing serious legal repercussions after being accused of orchestrating a campaign of threats and vandalism targeting journalists from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). This legal action follows the publication of allegations regarding his sexual misconduct.

Background and Charges

Spofford, 40, who maintains residences in Salem, New Hampshire, and Miami, was arrested on Friday after a federal grand jury indictment led to three counts of stalking and one count of conspiracy to commit stalking. Notably, he is accused of financing the vandalistic activities carried out against NHPR staff members and their representation in the editorial community. The individual alleged to have been hired for these crimes, Eric Labarge, is currently serving a sentence of 46 months for his actions.

The Incidents

Prosecutors outlined a disturbing series of incidents that took place between April and May 2022, during which the homes of an NHPR editor, a reporter, and the reporter’s parents were targeted with bricks, rocks, and red spray paint. Specific cases include:

• On one occasion, a brick was thrown through the window of reporter Lauren Chooljian while a threatening message—”JUST THE BEGINNING!”—was spray-painted at her residence.
• The veneer of anonymity was stripped away as prosecutors revealed that Spofford had admonished these actions, allegedly seeking retribution for a NHPR article that detailed allegations of sexual harassment and assault against him.

Spofford’s Response and Ongoing Litigation

In the wake of the significantly adverse media coverage, Spofford has repeatedly denied the allegations outlined in these NHPR reports. He initiated a defamation lawsuit against the journalists involved, although the case was ultimately dismissed by the court due to lack of substantive merit. Court documents presently do not indicate whether Spofford is represented by legal counsel, as he was due for an initial court appearance in Boston shortly after the indictment.

Motivation and Implications

The motivations behind Spofford’s alleged actions suggest an alarming trend in how individuals in positions of power react to media scrutiny. The targeting of journalists poses critical questions about the safety and integrity of the press, especially in an era where personal attacks on media personnel are becoming more pronounced. For industry analysts, these incidents could signify a troubling precedent that may embolden further intimidation tactics against journalists in the United States.

Impact on Public Perception of Addiction Treatment Centers

Granite Recovery Centers, founded by Spofford in 2008 and sold in 2021, has become a focal point in discussions about the ethics of treatment facilities and the need for accountability in an industry that is directly tied to public health. Following these events, there could be an impactful shift in how potential clients and their families perceive not only Granite Recovery Centers but also the broader network of treatment facilities across the country. An industry heavily scrutinized for transparency may need to reassess how it addresses allegations of misconduct and its relations with the media.

Conclusion

As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of Spofford’s indictment extend beyond the immediate case. They open a crucial dialogue around the treatment of journalists and the ethical responsibilities of individuals in high-stakes positions, particularly in sensitive sectors such as addiction treatment. How this situation develops will be closely monitored as it not only impacts the individuals involved but also sets a precedent for future interactions between the media and powerful entities.

Holly Ramer | The Associated Press