State rep-elect charged with assaulting police officer

LACONIA — State Rep.-elect Michael F. Maloney of Gilmanton was arrested on Sept. 17 on a class A misdemeanor caharge of assaulting a police officer while attending a Drop-Kick Murphy's Concert at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (Meadowbrook) in Gilford.

According to Gilford Police, Maloney, 51, of 1870 Province Road was part of a group of people outside of the gate that was acting very rowdy and refused to settle down when asked by a Meadowbrook security officer.

Two police officers, Lt. James Leach and Northfield Patrol Officer Aaron Chappel, who was working for Gilford Police on a special detail, responded.

Their report, according to Gilford Police Information Officer Lt. Kris Kelley, said Maloney kept yelling loudly and the group that included him was asked to leave.

Kelley said Mahoney or someone in his group called 9-1-1 because they wanted the state police to respond and not local police.

He said the report indicates that Maloney put his hands in his pockets, approached Chappel, who was in uniform, and chest bumped him.

Maloney was arrested, charged and released on personal recognizance bail.

Assault on a police office who was acting in the line of duty can be punishable by an extended term of imprisonment.

His trial in the 4th Circuit Court, Laconia Division was scheduled for Dec. 5 but his attorney filed for a continuance so as to conduct an additional investigation. Maloney said there are witnesses to the incident and one that would be particularly useful to him is currently on active military duty and would not be available on Dec. 5.

Gilford Police didn't not object to the continuance so the judge granted him an extension of 45 to 60 days.

Maloney, a Republican, was elected to his first term in the New Hampshire House in November.

The Daily Sun left a message for him but he didn't return the phone call.