Rumney Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Removing Political Signs

Concord, NH - Attorney General John Formella announces that James Martin (age 64) of Rumney, New Hampshire, has pled guilty in Plymouth District Court to two counts of unlawfully removing political signs, contrary to RSA 664:17. Mr. Martin had removed political signs from the side of Groton Hollow Road in Rumney prior to the November 5, 2024 State General Election. The Court imposed a $400 fine and a $96 penalty assessment on Mr. Martin for each count, for a total penalty of $992.

This matter was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Brendan A. O'Donnell. This matter was investigated by Election Law Unit Investigator Cristina Ostrowski and the Rumney Police Department.

The Election Law Unit reminds the public that RSA 664:17 governs both the placement and the removal of political advertising, and violations of the statute can result in civil or criminal penalties. Furthermore, RSA 664:17's specific limits on who can remove political advertising apply even if a political sign has been unlawfully erected. See RSA 664:17 ("No person shall remove, deface, or knowingly destroy any political advertising which is placed on or affixed to public property or any private property except for removal by the owner of the property, persons authorized by the owner of the property, or a law enforcement officer removing improper advertising. Political advertising placed on or affixed to any public property may be removed by state, city, or town maintenance or law enforcement personnel.").

Any person who believes a political sign has been unlawfully erected should contact the Election Law Unit or the owner of the property where the sign was erected. Any person who believes a political sign has been unlawfully removed should contact the Election Law Unit or local law enforcement.