The New England First Amendment Coalition is fighting attempts to keep secret the arrest records of actor Nicholas Braun who was recently arrested for allegedly driving under the influence.
Braun, who is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Greg Hirsch in the HBO show “Succession,” was driving in Moultonborough, N.H., when he was stopped by police.
The Moultonborough Police Department, however, is refusing to disclose the arrest records and other materials despite requirements by the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) that they be released. The department has a policy that such materials are not released during a prosecution — a claim rejected by a New Hampshire Superior Court in a separate case last year.
“Just because a case is being prosecuted, does not necessarily justify under 91-A the withholding of records, including police reports,” wrote NEFAC in an Oct. 13 letter to Moultonborough Police Chief Peter W. Beede, Jr. The coalition formally requested the arrest records and materials, and explained why the department’s reasoning doesn’t allow secrecy in the case.
“Other municipalities throughout the state provide police reports and other records despite there being a criminal prosecution,” NEFAC wrote. “RSA 91-A prohibits the type of blanket exemptions reflected in your policy and used to justify the withholding of those documents we are now requesting.”
NEFAC is the region’s leading advocate of First Amendment freedoms and the public’s right to know about government. Learn more about the coalition’s work and the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law.
NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists and WCVB-Boston.