The Chief of Police in the Grafton County town of Enfield is stepping down following allegations that he assaulted one of his children.
State investigators say they have probable cause to bring assault charges against Richard Crate. But, investigators say, it would be difficult to achieve a guilty verdict in court because there’s state laws that protect a parent’s use of force for discipline.
So instead, the Attorney General’s office has agreed not to bring charges, so long as Crate retires from his job in Enfield, doesn’t join another force in New Hampshire, undergoes counseling and apologizes to his child.
Crate served not only as the Chief in Enfield, but is also a former president of the state Association of Chiefs of Police, a lobbying arm for law enforcement across New Hampshire.