N.H. AG Investigates the Disposition of EMT Attack Case

NASHUA, N.H. --

Two cases handled by the Hillsborough County Attorney are being investigated by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office.

County Attorney Bob Walsh is on record saying he mishandled a case in Mont Vernon in which two emergency medical technicians were attacked. He did not return News 9's call on Monday, but in an interview with the station on July 10, he spoke emphatically about his role as a prosecutor and seeking justice for victims.

"My job as prosecutor is not only to obtain convictions but see that justice is done, and I will continue to fulfill my oath of office as I see appropriate," Walsh said.

At the time of the interview, Walsh was on the offensive, demanding to investigate Manchester police officers cleared of criminal wrongdoing in an assault case.

But Walsh is now under investigation by the state attorney general's office for his handling of two cases, one involving a Mont Vernon woman charged with attacking two EMTs.

"When she initially assaulted me, she head-butted me in the face," said EMT Lynn Briggs. "She dislocated my jaw."

On Aug. 11, Walsh dropped the charges against 28-year-old Adrienne Valdez on the condition that she complete a mental health court program.

In a New Hampshire Union Leader article published Sunday, Walsh said, "I acted too quickly. I recognize this is unfair to the chief of police and the victims."

"That whole thing was a slap in the face to every EMS worker in the country, that we're not important," said EMT Carylyn McEntee, who was injured in the attack.

Briggs and McEntee said they have been out of work for 12 weeks and are still in casts. They said dropping the charges victimized them again. They are now fighting for legislation to make attacks on uniformed emergency responders a felony.

The second case under review involves Daniel Fudala, of Manchester, who was accused of breaking a man's leg in three places during a fight. Walsh ended up dropping those charges.

Walsh declined to comment for Sunday's article, but in the earlier interview with News 9, he mentioned the case.

"I stepped in because the assistant handling this had mishandled the case the week before, and the man was fined $1,200 and paid $4,000 in restitution," Walsh said. "I don't see that as dropping the case."

The attorney general's office said it is about halfway through its investigation.

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