Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces the arrest of Litchfield Police Chief Benjamin Sargent, age 43, of Hudson for one class B misdemeanor offense of Official Oppression.

The criminal complaint alleges that between December 31, 2021, and January 1, 2022, Mr. Sargent, who was a public servant as defined in RSA 640:2, II, knowingly committed an unauthorized act, which purported to be an act of his office, with a purpose to benefit himself or another or to harm another, by sexually harassing a subordinate in violation of official policy.

A class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $1,200.

Mr. Sargent has been released on a personal recognizance bail and is scheduled for arraignment in the 9th Circuit Court – District Division – Merrimack on January 12, 2022, at 8:15 a.m.

The charges and allegations are accusations only, and Mr. Sargent is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Joe M. Fincham II of the New Hampshire Department of Justice's Public Integrity Unit.  This case was investigated by members of the New Hampshire Department of Justice.