Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald and Carroll County Attorney Michaela Andruzzi announce the indictment of Priscilla Protasowicki, age 32, of Jackson, on two counts of simple assault subject to the hate-crime enhancement. Attorney General MacDonald also announces the initiation of a New Hampshire Civil Rights Act action against Ms. Protasowicki.

On July 20, 2018, Ms. Protasowicki was indicted by the Carroll County Grand Jury on two charges of simple assault subject to the hate-crime enhancement. These charges allege that Ms. Protasowicki, while working at the Covered Bridge Riverview Lodge in Jackson, assaulted two patrons in an effort to remove them from the establishment because of their religion and perceived national origin.

The charge of simple assault subject to the hate-crime enhancement carries a possible maximum sentence of five years in the New Hampshire State Prison.

Questions regarding this criminal proceeding should be directed to the Carroll County Attorney's Office.

On July 17, 2018, the Attorney General initiated an action against Ms. Protasowicki pursuant to the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act based on this same conduct.

Each violation of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act carries a maximum civil penalty of $5,000. The court may also enjoin further violations of the Act, a violation of which constitutes a class A misdemeanor, award restitution to the victims, and grant other equitable relief that it deems appropriate.

It is anticipated that Ms. Protasowicki will be arraigned in Carroll County Superior Court on August 22, 2018. The hearing on the alleged Civil Rights Act violations is scheduled for August 24, 2018, in Carroll County Superior Court.

The allegations in the indictment and civil pleadings are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Attorney General’s Civil Rights Unit enforces state and federal civil rights laws, including the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination and the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act. Residents and visitors who believe that their civil rights have been violated may file a complaint online at https://www.doj.nh.gov/civil-rights/index.htm or by phone at (603) 271-3658.