PRESS RELEASES 
Email Updates
12/12/2009 - Nanny arrested for felony theft
On Wednesday November 18, 2009 at approximately 5:30 p.m. the Rye Police Department took a theft report from a Washington Road resident. The homeowners hired a nanny to care for their two young children. The nanny arrived for her first day and was reported to be acting odd. The homeowner left the residence for an emergency. The homeowner was concerned for the nanny's behavior so she asked a neighbor to check on Swanson and her children later in day. The neighbor reported that the nanny was acting strange and appeared medicated.
The homeowner later returned home to find the house in disarray and sent the nanny home. After the nanny left the residence, the homeowner found several items missing from the residence. Items taken include several pieces of jewelry, an antique safe containing cash, prescription drugs and several items of clothing. A search warrant later executed for her vehicle and her home resulted in the recovery of some of the stolen items.
On 12/8/2009, the Rye Police arrested the nanny for felony theft. The subject arrested was:
Susan K. Swanson
DOB: 09-15-74
77 Porpoise Way
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Swanson was released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled for arraignment on January 11, 2010 at 12:30 PM at Portsmouth District Court.
December 7, 2009 - 4 Burglaries
On 12/6/09 at 1:44 am, Rye Police responded to a Sea Rd. residence for a reported burglary in progress. On arrival, officers found footwear impressions in the snow surrounding the residence and vehicle tire impressions leaving the area.
A short time later, North Hampton police found a vehicle parked on Atlantic Ave. with two subjects leaving a residence. Rye Police responded to speak with the subjects and subsequently arrested both for burglary. The subjects were identified as:
Charles Normil 09/02/80
1 Freeland Terr. Worcester, MA
Nathan Lamontagne 08/11/86
33 Iroquis St. Apt. 1 Worcester, MA
Their vehicle was also seized pending a search warrant. They were both transported to Rockingham County Jail. It was later found that both subjects were responsible for three other residential burglaries, including two more homes on Sea Rd. and one home on Myrica Ave. All of the residences were occupied at the time burglaries.
Both subjects were arraigned on 12/7/09 at Portsmouth District Court. They are each charged with one count of burglary and 3 counts of conspiracy to commit burglary, all class A felonies. They were each ordered held on $350,000 cash bail. They are scheduled for a probable cause hearing on 12/17/09 at 10:00am at Portsmouth District Court.
August 13, 2009 - Stolen Wheels
On 8/11/09 at 6am, the Rye Police Department responded to 51 Cable Rd. for a theft report. The victim reports that during the early morning hours of Tuesday 8/11/09, a suspect(s) stole wheels from a Mercedes sedan parked in the driveway. The car was left sitting on rocks on the ground. The wheels are stock 17" Mercedes AMG rims with performance tires. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rye Police Department at (603) 964-5522 or make an anonymous tip through Seacoast Crime Stoppers either online or by calling (603) 431-1199.
August 13, 2009 - Found Property
The Rye Police Department is looking for the owner of a unique ring located on Jenness State Beach on July 31, 2009. The jewelry is in excellent condition and is being held for safekeeping in hopes the owner will come forward. It was discovered by a ten year old boy playing in the sand. Anyone who may be missing a ring or have information about the owner is encouraged to call the Rye Police Department at 964-7450.
June 11, 2009 - Motor Vehicle vs. Bicycle Crash
On 6/11/09 at 7:05pm, The Rye Police Department and Rye Fire Department responded to 1677 Ocean Blvd. for a report of a motor vehicle accident with injury involving two bicycles.
On arrival, officers found two bicyclists with minor injuries. Speaking to witnesses on scene, it was determined that a pickup truck traveling north on Ocean Blvd. making a left into a parking lot failed to yield to two bicyclists traveling south. One bicyclist crashed into the pickup truck, while the other fell to the ground.
The driver of the truck was identified as:
Lee J Schatvet
940 Washington Rd. Rye, NH 03870
Age: 20
Schatvet was issued a summons for RSA 265:29, Failure of traffic turning left to yield. The bicyclists were treated on scene by the Rye Fire Department and refused transport.
March 17, 2009 - Felony Theft Arrest
On October 14, 2008, the Rye Police Department received a theft complaint from the owner of Gardner Mattress at 137 Lafayette Rd. in Rye. The owner found that an employee had been stealing money from the store. The employee's name is:
Torie Gello
DOB: 12/12/76
2 Linda Ln.
Seabrook, NH 03874
From August through October 2008, Gello made several large fraudulent refunds to a personal bank account, when there was no customer returning items. The total amount came to $12,117.74.
Gello was arrested on 2/23/09. She is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on 4/8/09 at Portsmouth District Court. The case is being forwarded to the Rockingham County Attorneys Office.
February 13, 2008 - *Update* Guilty Plea for Mother
On October 15, 2008, the Rye Police Department received a report of a child soliciting money at 1247 Washington Rd. for a cancer walk. The reporting parties said the 7 year old girl would only accept cash, did not have recepits, and did not have any other paperwork for the event. The girl's mother sat in the car while the girl wandered alone throughout the businesses. A press release was issued the following day requesting anyone with information to call. The Rye Police received several calls of similar incidents in Rye, as well as in North Hampton and Portsmouth.
The investigation by Officer Heather Porciello revealed that Kristy Littlefield of 24 Schooner Landing, Hampton, NH, had used her daughter to solicit cash donations from numerous area businesses. The donations were supposed to be for various cancer walks in the area; however, Littlefield never sent that money to the charities. She was arrested on 11/16/08 for theft by deception. On 2/11/09, Littlefield plead guilty at Portsmouth District Court.
October 16, 2008 - Child Soliciting for Cash
The Rye Police Department is investigating a possible case of fraud involving a young child. On October 15, 2008 at approximately 4:00 PM, a young girl who appeared to be about 7 years old began soliciting for money at 1247 Washington Road in Rye. There are multiple businesses at this location. Reporting parties said the young girl came to them soliciting money for a cancer walk. She would only take cash, did not have receipts, and did not have any additional paperwork about the event other than printouts from a website. The girl's mother sat in the car and allowed the girl to wander on her own throughout the businesses. When confronted, the mother was also vague in describing the fundraiser. Subjects were last seen in a newer model sport utility vehicle, possibly a Dodge Durango, color silver. Anyone having similar incidents or with further information is asked to contact the Rye Police Department at 964-5522.
October 10, 2008 - Plane Crash
On Friday October 10, 2008 at 5:20pm, the Rye Fire and Police Departments were dispatched to the water off Rye Harbor for a report of a plane crash. On arrival, they found a small plane partially submerged about 100 yards off Rye Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard and Portsmouth Fire Department rescue boats responded to assist. A private boat arrived shortly after the crash and assisted removing the pilot from the water.
The pilot was identified as:
Eric Goethel Age: 28
33 Seabury
Hampton, NH 03842
It appears that Goethel left North Hampton Airfield for an evening ride. While flying north along the Atlantic coastline of Rye, Goethel's airplane began to lose power. He lost altitude, skipped across the water and landed nose first. Goethel was not injured in the crash.
The plane was towed into Rye Harbor. The plane will be removed to the North Hampton Airfield. The FAA will be investigating the incident.
August 26, 2008 - Fraudulent Solicitors
On August 26, 2008 at 5:50 PM the Rye Police Department began taking calls from residents of a teenager soliciting in the area of Ocean Boulevard between Washington Road and Wallis Road. Callers advised a male subject came to their houses requesting a donation for the Boston Children's Hospital for a variety of reasons. He told some residents he was a neighbor but gave a false address in Rye. The male was heavy set with a blond crew cut hair. He gave receipts for the donations from the company "Prestige Sales USA." The Rye Police Department has learned this is an unreputable company by the Arizona Better Business Bureau and are asking residents to call if they were or are approached in the future by subjects attempting to collect donations. As with any type of door to door solicitation, companies are required to file for a permit with the Rye Police Department before conducting business. There are no permits outstanding at this time for door to door solicitation.
July 11, 2008 - Permit for Soliciting
On 07/09/08, Paragon Sales filled out a permit application with the Town of Rye to go door to door to sell books and magazines. The times are from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the permit expires July 30, 2008 at 6:00 PM. Please contact Rye Police if there are any issues with sales tactics or if the sales person is still going door to door past the hours of 6:00 PM.
June 30, 2008 - Burglary
On Saturday morning June 28, 2008, Rye Police responded to Carey and Giampa Realtors at 655 Wallis Rd. for a burglary. The burglary is believed to have occurred sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning. The suspect(s) cut a screen and smashed a window in the rear of the building, gained entry and stole 2 Dell desktop computers, including the monitors.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Rye Police Department at (603) 964-5522, or make an anonymous tip through Seacoast Crime Stoppers by calling (603) 431-1199, or go online to www.seacoastcrimestoppers.org.
June 3, 2008 - Indecent Exposure
On June 3, 2008 at approximately 6:30 AM, a Rye Police cruiser was flagged down by a jogger. The female reported that a male had exposed himself to her while she was jogging inside Odiorne Point State Park.
The female stated the male was driving a silver colored Jeep Grand Cherokee with New Hampshire license plates. The female stated the male was taller than the vehicle as he stood next to it. The male is described as;
Gender: Male
Race: White
Build: Medium
Height:Tall, approximately 6'3"
Weight:200 to 225 pounds
Age: 35 to 40
Brown hair
Wearing sunglasses
He appeared unshaven
Clothing: Wearing a long sleeved, dark colored sweat shirt, no logos noticed, dark colored sweat pants.
Anybody with information, please call Rye Police at 964-5522 or Portsmouth Crime Line 431-1199.
The Rye Police Department would like to thank Portsmouth Police Department for the excellent work making the composite sketch.
May 27, 2008 - Parole Violation Arrest
On May 23, 2008, the Rye Police Department received information that Robert Doane was in Rye.
Robert Doane
DOB: 05/01/72
29 Clair St. Manchester, NH
Doane is a convicted sex offender. As part of his parole conditions, he is prohibited from entering Rockingham and Strafford Counties. Rye Police contacted the NH Dept. of Corrections, who subsequently issued a detention order for the parole violation.
On May 27, 2008 at approximately 9:40 am, a patrol officer found Doane to be at 307 West Rd. Officers responded to the residence and arrested Doane without incident. He was later transported to the Rockingham County Jail where he will be held pending a preliminary hearing.
March 23, 2008 - Multiple Thefts from Vehicles
The Rye Police Department is investigating a series of thefts from motor vehicles. These thefts are believed to have occurred on Friday March 21, 2008 in the late evening to overnight hours. Thefts have been reported on Central Rd, Red Mill Ln, Lawrence Ln, Richard Rd, and McLaughlin Dr. Items taken include money, GPS units, satellite radios, golf clubs, and numerous other valuables. Most of the vehicles that were targeted were left unlocked in the driveway. The Rye Police Department encourages residents to secure their vehicles and homes to prevent such thefts.
Anyone with information regarding these thefts is asked to call the Rye Police Department at (603) 964-5522, or make an anonymous tip through Seacoast Crime Stoppers by calling (603) 431-1199, or go online to www.seacoastcrimestoppers.org.
March 7, 2008 - DWI/ Drug Arrest Following Crash
On March 7, 2008 at approximately 2:45 PM, the Rye Police were on Sagamore Rd. in the school zones when an officer came upon a motor vehicle crash in the area of the Montessori School. The vehicle, a 2000 Chev. 2500 pickup, had gone off the road and crashed into a tree. The driver was identified as
Matthew Damigella 7/19/74
28 McDonough St.
Portsmouth, NH
Damigella sustained non-life threatening injuries and was later taken to Portsmouth Hospital by the Rye Fire Department. Upon investigation, it appears as though Damigella was driving north on Sagamore Rd. As Damigella approached the Montessori School, near Stoneridge Dr., he crossed into the opposite lane, went off the road and crashed into a tree head-on. The vehicle sustained extensive damage to the front end. Damigella was not wearing his seat belt and his head went through the windshield.
Drugs, and drug paraphernalia were found in his vehicle. Damigella was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of drugs, possession of controlled/ narcotic drugs, and transporting drugs.
Damigella is scheduled for arraignment on April 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM.
(photos available upon request)
March 5, 2008 - Arrest
On March 5, 2008 at approximately 12:17 PM, Rye Police were dispatched to 133 Lafayette Rd apartment 4 for a female asking for the police. The phone got disconnected before dispatch could get more information. When police arrived they met two females in the parking lot of the apartment building. One female reported an argument had occurred between her and her boyfriend. Rye Police talked with her boyfriend who confirmed both had been arguing. The boyfriend was identified as:
Joseph Walter Lebor, Age 25
133 Lafayette Rd. Apt # 4
Rye, NH
Based upon information at the apartment and what witnesses had told the Rye Police, it was determined that Lebor may need medical assistance and the Rye Fire Department responded. When the Rye Police asked Lebor to be treated by the Rye Fire Department, Lebor refused treatment. Based on the investigation, the Rye Police attempted to arrest Lebor for obstructing the report of a crime. As officers went to take him into custody he tried to walk away. Officers asked him several times to put his hands behind his back. Lebor would not respond to verbal requests. As officers attempted to put his hands behind his back Lebor physically resisted. Lebor was sprayed with pepper spray and officers were able to hand cuff him. Lebor was transported to Portsmouth Hospital by the Rye Fire Department. Lebor was bailed from Portsmouth Hospital for $4000.00 PR bail with a court date of April 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM requesting he appear at the Portsmouth District Court. Lebor was charged with obstructing the report of a crime and resisting arrest.
November 14, 2007 - Animal Cruelty
On August 6, 2006 at approximately 4:30 PM, a Rye Police officer was dispatched to Odiorne State Park in the area of Frost Point for a report of people abusing a rabbit. The officer checked the area but did not find anyone matching the description given and did not see any animals being abused.
On August 10, 2006, the Rye Police received information from another law enforcement agency that monitor cults. The law enforcement agency had seen pictures and a video of a group of people abusing a rabbit. The location looked like Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH.
The Rye Police along with a staff member of the Rockingham County Corrections, Boston Police Department Intelligence Unit, Massachusettes State Police, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Rockingham County Attorney's Office have joined forces to investigate this incident.
After several months of meetings and follow-up, the following people have been indicted by the Rockingham County Grand Jury for Felony Cruely to Animals:
Robert Freeman, last known address 35 Easy Street Plainfield, CT.
Kevin Lynch, last known address 23 Bradford Road Milton, MA.
William West, last known address 26 Kenwood Ave. Saugus, MA.
At this time the investigation continues. All questions should be referred to Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams and Rye Police Chief Kevin Walsh.
November 2, 2007 - Fatal Accident
On November 2, 2007 at 4:55 AM, the Rye Police Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at 230 Central Rd. Rye Fire Department and North Hampton Police responded to assist as well. On arrival, officers found a white 1988 Mercedes 300TE in the road that appeared to have struck a tree, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. The driver was identified as Ian M. Richards, 25, of 28 Kings Hwy. #3 Hampton, NH. He was pronounced dead on scene by the Medical Examiner's Office. He was the only occupant of the vehicle. The accident is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Scott Blaisdell at (603) 964-7450.
September 4, 2007 - Underage Alcohol Compliance
On Friday, August 31, 2007, The Rye Police Department and NH Liquor Enforcement conducted an underage alcohol compliance check at various establishments in Rye. A 19 year old female attempted to purchase alcohol at 10 different establishments. Of the 10 establishments checked, 6 served alcohol to the minor. Below are the establishments and bartenders or clerks who served the alcohol:
Rye General Store, 2203 Ocean Blvd.
Kathy Foster 09/29/55, 2 Kendall St. Rochester, NH
Carriage House Restaurant, 2263 Ocean Blvd.
Jessica Coder 05/08/74, 355 Colonial Dr. Portsmouth, NH
Dunes Motel (New England Bounty Bar and Grill), 2281 Ocean Blvd.
Robin Cater 08/01/64, 61 Linden St. Exeter, NH
Abenaqui Country Club, 731 Central Rd.
AnnMarie Wright 05/07/81, 40 Whidden St. Portsmouth, NH
Ray's Seafood, 1677 Ocean Blvd.
Joanne Flagg 03/30/63, 789 Ocean Blvd. Rye, NH
Petey's Summertime Seafood, 1323 Ocean Blvd.
Todd Balthaser 07/18/58, 9 River Rd. North Hampton, NH
All of the bartenders or clerks were issued a summons for prohibited sales (RSA 179:5) with a Sept. 17, 2007 arraignment date at Portsmouth District Court. Each establishment was also charged with prohibited sales by NH Liquor Enforcement.
We are pleased to say Saunders Restaurant, Le Parisian Restaurant, Petey's Red Roof Market, and the Wentworth Country Club did comply with the underage compliance check and did not serve alcohol to the minor.
The Rye Police Department has seen an increase this year in DWI's and DWI related crashes. In response, the Rye Police have conducted numerous DWI patrols throughout the summer as well as underage alcohol patrols. This underage alcohol compliance check was another step towards the deterrence of alcohol related offenses. Most these patrols have been supported and funded by the State of NH and the Attorney Generals Office.
The number of establishments who served alcohol to a minor is unacceptable. The Rye Police Department knows the only way we can be successful in stopping under age people from being served alcohol is the business owners and employees to be partners with the police. The Rye Police will be working with NH Liquor Enforcement and the establishments in question to prevent further underage alcohol sales.
August 24, 2007 - Drive-by Shooting
On Friday August 24, 2007 at approximately 4:29 AM the Rye Police Department was dispatched to 200 Sagamore Rd for gunshots fired. Rye and Greenland Police responded. Upon arrival, officers found damage to a vehicle window and the house. The damage appears to have been caused by bullets going through the vehicle window and through the side of the house.
The homeowner and a neighbor stated they were awakened by a noise they believe sounded like multiple gunshots. The neighbor said he saw a full-sized pick-up truck moving slower than usual. The neighbor believes he heard 5 to 6 shots and saw a flash coming from the slow moving vehicle. One bullet has been recovered from inside the house. No one was hurt.
The Dover Police Department is assisting the Rye Police with this investigation,
The Rye Police Department is asking anyone with any information to please call
(603) 964-5522 or Portsmouth Crime Line at 431-1199.
July 22, 2007 - Suspicious Device
On Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 1254, the Rye Police were dispatched to the Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne State Park for a suspicious device. A park visitor found a 6 inch tube wrapped in red tape with a wire coming out of one end. The visitor found the device at the shoreline and brought it to the Science Center. An officer working a detail in the park was alerted, who called additional units. The Rye Fire Department responded and assisted closing off the area. The Science Center was also closed as well during this time. The NH State Police Explosive Disposal Unit was dispatched to the scene. They used a robot to examine the device and determined it was not a threat. The device turned out to be several sparklers taped together.
The Rye Police Department encourages anyone who finds a suspicious device to leave it where it is found, and call their local authorities immediately.