Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces that on July 21, 2023, the Strafford County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Nicole Ferry, age 24, of Strafford, with one class A felony count of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer and 14 class B felony counts of forgery.

The theft indictment alleges that between February 22, 2022, and July 11, 2022, Ms. Ferry, pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, obtained or exercised unauthorized control over funds from one or more People's United Bank and/or M&T Bank accounts belonging to G.M. (age 85), property of another, in an aggregate amount of more than $1,500, with a purpose to deprive G.M. thereof.

The forgery indictments collectively allege that between June 1, 2022, and July 9, 2022, Ms. Ferry, with a purpose to defraud, made, completed, executed, or otherwise uttered writings, 14 People's United Bank checks belonging to G.M. (age 85), so that they purported to be the act of G.M.

The State is seeking an extended-term of imprisonment on each of the indictments, alleging that Ms. Ferry, in committing the crimes, intended to take advantage of G.M.'s age (65 or older) and/or physical disability that impaired G.M.'s ability to manage G.M.'s property and financial resources, or otherwise to protect G.M.'s rights or interests. Ms. Ferry faces up to 10-30 years in the New Hampshire State Prison, and a $4,000 fine on each of the indictments if convicted.

On August 8, 2022, Ms. Ferry, a licensed nursing assistant, voluntarily agreed with the New Hampshire Nursing Board to not practice.

The indictments against Ms. Ferry are merely accusations, and Ms. Ferry is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Ms. Ferry is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictments in the Strafford County Superior Court on August 31, 2023, at 12:30 p.m.

This matter was investigated by the Lee Police Department in coordination with the Department of Justice. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Bryan J. Townsend, II, of the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, and Assistant Attorney General Warren Cormack of the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, please contact your local police department or the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (1-800-949-0470).