Concord, N.H. -- Attorney General John M. Formella announces that an investigation has been completed into allegations made against Joshua Edson, a former Winchester police officer. On July 2, 2021, the Attorney General’s Office was notified of an allegation involving Mr. Edson.

That allegation was thoroughly investigated and reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General.

Based on its investigation, the Office of the Attorney General has concluded that there is probable cause to bring one charge of violating RSA 641:5, Witness Tampering, against Mr. Edson. However, because of the defenses available to Mr. Edson the Office of the Attorney General concluded that the State would have difficulty prevailing at trial in this matter.

Under these circumstances and in the interest of justice, the Office of the Attorney General and Mr. Edson have reached a resolution. Mr. Edson has resigned from his position as an officer with Winchester Police Department. Mr. Edson has agreed to forfeit his New Hampshire certification as a police officer. Mr. Edson has agreed that he will not contest placement on the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule (EES list). The Office of the Attorney General has agreed that it will not bring charges against Mr. Edson.

The Office of the Attorney General’s file in this matter will remain open for a period of three years to monitor Mr. Edson’s adherence to the terms and conditions of the agreement, at which time the Office of the Attorney General will close the matter with no further action. In the event Mr. Edson does not abide by the terms of the agreement, the Office of the Attorney General may bring forward the criminal charge against Mr. Edson. Given this resolution, the Office of the Attorney General will take no further action at this time in this matter.

The Attorney General’s Office investigates and prosecutes crimes involving the public integrity of state officials, including members of local police departments. Senior Assistant Attorney General Timothy J. Sullivan, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, and Investigator Allison Vachon led the Office’s efforts in this matter.