Feds arrest New Hampshire CEO for allegedly devising conspiracy to stalk, intimidate journalists
CBSN
The former CEO of Granite Recovery Centers, a network of drug and alcohol treatment centers in New Hampshire, was arrested Friday for allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy to stalk journalists, the Department of Justice said in a statement.
Eric Spofford, 40, was accused of targeting journalists employed by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) in retaliation for publishing an investigation that allegedly revealed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against him while he was the CEO of the recovery centers. Spofford opened the Granite Recovery Centers after struggling with heroin addiction and turned the business into the largest addiction treatment network in New Hampshire.
The NHPR article made a splash, grabbing the attention of local and national media, officials said. Spofford publicly denied the allegations and later sued the public radio station for defamation. He claimed the public radio station filed a "hit piece" against him. He said in his complaint that as a result of the investigation, financial institutions declined to do business with him, had vendors abruptly resign from working with his companies, and was distanced from working with New Hampshire politicians.
