CONCORD – James Flanders, 42, of Laconia, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to tamper with a witness, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 29 and August 9, 2019, an acquaintance (JL) of Flanders who was incarcerated on drug and firearm charges, contacted Flanders to assist him in persuading a witness in his matter to lie to law enforcement about the possession of a firearm that he was charged with possessing at the time of his arrest. On September 23, 2019, Flanders texted the witness expressing frustration at the witness’ lack of communication. Flanders threatened “I’m gonna start showing up on your doorstep” and that “our friend doesn’t have all the time in the world until court, he needs his defense in order now.”
Flanders is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2021.
“Protecting the integrity of the judicial process is vital for the operation of our legal system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Those who seek to tamper with witnesses or obstruct justice will be held responsible for their criminal conduct.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Laconia Police Department and the Belknap County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
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