New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
February 5, 2014

Contact:
James C. Vara, Assistant Attorney General
Criminal Justice Bureau
(603) 271-3671

Investigation Regarding East Kingston Police Chief Reid Simpson Concluded

Attorney General Joseph A. Foster announces that an investigation has been completed regarding East Kingston Police Chief Reid Simpson. In July of 2013, the Attorney General's Office became involved in an investigation regarding issues concerning the East Kingston Police Department's use of inmate trustees from the Rockingham County House of Corrections. After thoroughly investigating the inmate trustee issues and overall management of the police department, it has been determined that, while there was substantial mismanagement, lack of proper oversight and improper conduct on behalf of Chief Simpson, his conduct and his actions do not rise to the level of provable criminal conduct. Thus, criminal charges will not be initiated. However, given Simpson's mismanagement and lack of oversight, he has agreed to resign, effective immediately, as the East Kingston Chief of Police. Further, he has permanently relinquished his certification as a police officer and will not seek future employment as a police officer.

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