A Massachusetts man involved in a harassment scheme targeting two New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) journalists was sentenced to two years and three months in prison on Tuesday. Tucker Cockerline, who pled guilty to conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel, will also serve three years of supervised release, according to U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani.
Harassment Scheme Linked to Allegations Against Friend
Cockerline was one of three men charged with carrying out vandalism against the journalists at the direction of co-defendant Eric Labarge. The harassment began after NHPR reported on sexual misconduct allegations involving Eric Spofford, founder of Granite Recovery Centers and a close associate of Labarge. Spofford was not charged in connection with the case.
Journalist Harassment Case : Vandalism and Stalking
According to the indictment, Cockerline traveled to the home of one of the journalists in April 2022, where he threw a brick through a window and spray-painted a derogatory term on the house. Prosecutors said Labarge paid Cockerline $500 for the act. Labarge pled guilty in July to five counts related to the stalking and harassment.
Journalist Harassment Case : Legal Representation
The case was prosecuted by Jason Casey and Torey Cummings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Cockerline was represented by Scott Lauer of the Federal Public Defender Office.
