New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
January 15, 2014

Contact:
Jane E. Young, Associate General Attorney
Chief, Criminal Justice Bureau
(603) 545-9282

Arrest of Salem Police Officer Joseph Freda

Attorney General Joseph A. Foster announces that Salem Police Officer Joseph Freda was arrested today on two counts of simple assault stemming from the October 6, 2013 arrest of Thomas Templeton (age 39). On October 22, 2013, the New Hampshire State Police notified the Attorney General's Office of the arrest of Templeton and injuries he sustained during the arrest. The Attorney General's Office commenced an immediate investigation. This investigation led to today's arrest of Freda. The pending charges allege that while on duty, Freda knowingly caused bodily injury to Templeton by striking Templeton in the head with a flashlight thereby causing lacerations, and that Freda knowingly caused unprivileged physical contact by stepping on Templeton's hand when Templeton was seated on the ground with his hands handcuffed behind his back.

Joseph Freda's arraignment will be scheduled in the 10th Circuit, Salem District Division Court.

New Hampshire Department of Justice
1 Granite Place South | Concord, NH | 03301
Telephone: 603-271-3658