Matthew Knee Indicted on Felony Theft Charges

Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the Merrimack County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Matthew J. Knee, age 34, formerly of Bow, New Hampshire in connection with an alleged theft by unauthorized taking.

Mr. Knee is the former President of CHS Legacy Foundation, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization created to provide scholarships for graduating Concord High School students. The indictment charges Mr. Knee with one count of theft by unauthorized taking, a class A felony. According to the indictment, between June 1, 2022, and February 22, 2023, Mr. Knee allegedly exercised unauthorized control over money belonging to CHS Legacy Foundation, using that money for purposes other than the charitable purposes for which he was lawfully authorized to expend it. Mr. Knee is scheduled to be arraigned on December 12, 2025, in Merrimack County Superior Court. A class A felony offense is punishable by up to 7 ½ to 15 years in state prison, a fine, or both.

The charges against Mr. Knee stem from an investigation conducted by the Department of Justice's Charitable Trusts Unit and Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau. The Charitable Trusts Unit oversees the administration of charitable organizations in New Hampshire, including the proper use of charitable donations. All charitable organizations operating in New Hampshire must register with and annually report to the Charitable Trusts Unit. To report possible misuse of charitable funds, call the Charitable Trusts Unit at 603-271-3591 or send an email to [email protected].

The Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau investigates and prosecutes deceptive and unfair business practices against New Hampshire consumers. To file a complaint with the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 or file a complaint online at https://www.doj.nh.gov/citizens/consumer-protection-antitrust-bureau/consumer-complaints.

The charges and allegations against Mr. Knee are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by Investigator Tom Rees of the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau. The State is represented by Brandon Garod, of the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau as well as Mary Ann Dempsey and Jared Davis of the Charitable Trusts Unit.