Eric Labarge, 46, of Nashua, recently pleaded guilty to being involved in two conspiracies to “harass and intimidate” journalists at New Hampshire Public Radio. Courtesy photo/Manchester Police Department

NASHUA – Eric Labarge, 46, of Nashua, recently pleaded guilty to being involved in two conspiracies to “harass and intimidate” journalists Daniel Barrick and Lauren Chooljian of New Hampshire Public Radio.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in March 2022, Chooljian published a story describing allegations of sexual misconduct against Eric Spofford. Spofford was the founder of Green Mountain Treatment Center and a prominent leader in New Hampshire’s fight against the opioid epidemic.

After learning of Chooljian’s story, Spofford recruited his friend Labarge to seek vengeance against Chooljian and Barrick, NHPR’s news director.

To assist him, Labarge enlisted Tucker Cockerline, 32, of Salem, Michael Waselchuck, 35, of Seabrook and Keenan Saniatan, 36, of Nashua.

Spofford also filed a 396-page defamation lawsuit against Chooljian, Barrick and four other NHPR reporters. However, the case was dismissed by Rockingham Superior Court Judge Daniel St. Hilaire citing Spofford’s failure to prove actual malice.

During April and May 2022, Labarge and his accomplices unleashed hell. On five separate occasions, they vandalized Chooljian’s home, her parents’ home and Barrick’s home. The four perpetrators proceeded to spray paint “c*nt” on Chooljian’s home and hurled bricks through the windows.

The torment finally ended on the evening of May 20, 2022 when Waselchuck threw a brick through one of Barrick’s windows and spray painted “Just the beginning” on the front of the house.

However, Waselchuck’s statement proved to be incorrect as he, Labarge, Cockerline and Saniatan were all indicted in September 2023.

Cockerline and Waselchuck have since pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Saniatan’s trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 9.

On July 23 of this year, Labarge pleaded guilty to a five-count indictment. He is charged with with conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and using a facility of interstate commerce; conspiracy to commit stalking using a facility of interstate commerce; stalking using a facility of interstate commerce and aiding and abetting as well as two counts of stalking through interstate travel and aiding and abetting.

Labarge now faces up to 25 years in prison, up to 15 years probation and up to $1.2 million in fines plus restitution.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 18.