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Rockingham County Attorney Argues Suspension Was Unconstitutional

Rockingham County Attorney's office

Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams is seeking to get his job back, arguing his suspension by the New Hampshire Attorney General was unconstitutional.

Concord attorney Michael Ramsdell filed an objection in Merrimack County Superior Court Wednesday on behalf of County Attorney Jim Reams.

Ramsdell says Reams was suspended without any notice and without an opportunity to defend himself against any allegations.

“He is a constitutional officer, elected by the voters of Rockingham County. We believe that the action of removing him or suspending him and putting someone else in his place even temporarily are unconstitutional under the New Hampshire constitution.”

Ramsdell says a hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Attorney General Joe Foster announced last week that state and federal officials were investigating issues in the county attorney’s office, and that Reams was stripped of prosecutorial authority indefinitely.

Senior Assistant Attorney General James Boffetti was named interim county attorney.

Foster says a complaint made to his office by a former employee triggered the investigation.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.
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