Press Release

For release: Immediate

For more information contact: James Reams: 642-4249 May 4, 2007

Bayview principals, Linda Stokes, Lawrence Stokes and Bayview LLC plead guilty and settle civil tax liability to the State of New Hampshire

Brentwood -  County Attorney Jim Reams announced today that Linda M. Stokes and Lawrence S. Stokes, Jr., both of 18 Seabrook Road, Salisbury plead guilty today to charges arising from the N.H. State Police investigation of Bayview Crematory in Seabrook NH.

As part of the resolution the Stokes agreed to pay the State of New Hampshire the amount of $247,818 as full restitution to the State for the Business Profits Taxes. The Stokes paid $25,000.00 on today's date and have until July 27th to pay the remaining $222,818.00.

Linda Stokes plead guilty to 3 charges; Theft (06-S-2333), two counts of making False Tax Returns (06-S-2334, 06-S-2335) Linda Stokes was given a sentence of 1 ½ to 3 years at the NH State Prison, suspended conditioned upon specific compliance with the terms of the sentence.  Lawrence Stokes Jr. plead guilty to Making False Tax Return (06-S-2331) and was given a sentence of 1 to 3 years at the NH State Prison, suspended conditioned upon specific compliance with the terms of the sentence.

Bayview LLC plead guilty to Making and Filing False Tax Returns (06-S-2328) and was fined $100,000 with the fine being suspended for 10 years and was given a sentence of 1 ½ to 3 years in the NH State Prison, suspended conditioned upon specific compliance with the terms of the sentence, which require liquidation of the crematory.

"This is the beginning of the end of the Bayview scandal with the remaining case pending against Derek Wallace, currently scheduled for trial on May 14, 2007. The success of this case comes from the hard work of Deputy County Attorney Tom Reid, Sgt. Richard Mitchell and Trooper First Class, Jill Rockey of the N.H. State Police and John Mintkin and Carol Guyer, both of the DRA", Said Reams.