Strafford County, New Hampshire, Sheriff Turns Himself in, Expects Charges From AG

Strafford County Mark Brave turned himself into State Police after learning about charges coming from Attorney General John Formella.

Formella announced the investigation of the state's first black sheriff on June 2, and said it was based on "information this office has received and reviewed" involving theft, falsification in official matters, and abuse of office. Brave was also told to suspend any internal investigations that may be underway within the Sheriff's Office.

Brave did not disclose what he is being charged with by Formella.

"The AG’s office feels they have enough probable cause to charge me with some of the allegations brought before me. Today I turned myself into Troop A for fingerprints and photos and was given a court date after paying my $40.00 bail commissioners fee," Brave wrote on his Facebook page.

Brave said he was staying in office and would "continue to serve the people of Strafford County to the best of my ability and will sit before a jury of my peers."

Formella said an announcement will be made regarding the investigation at his office in Concord.

Brave told WMUR he and his attorneys are "fully cooperating" with the investigation, and said he believed he would be exonerated.

Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi told InDepthNH.org he recommended Brave take a leave of absence, but was turned down.

The Dover resident was elected to the office in 2020 succeeding David Dubois.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH