Press Release

For release: Immediate

For more information contact: James Reams: 642-4249 February 2, 2007

Crawford receives State Prison Sentence

Brentwood -  County Attorney Jim Reams announced today that Cheryl Crawford, (DOB10/06/48) former Office Manager of Derry Economic Development Corporation, of 5 Fairway Drive, Apt 6, Derry, waived Indictment and entered guilty pleas to two counts of Theft by unauthorized taking for stealing $54,749.21 from the Derry Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) and stealing $221,383.13 from Depot Square Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of DEDC.  Crawford was sentenced to serve 1 to 10 years at the N.H. State Prison beginning on April 2, 2007 and make full restitution to the DEDC along with 100 hours of community service educating the public about the dangers of gambling. Crawford also has a consecutive 1 to 10 years sentence suspended for 10 years to insure compliance with the restitution order.  "Crawford apologized to the Town of Derry and her former employers for betraying their trust and gambling away the DEDC funds.  I think that the State Prison Sentence and the full restitution Order demonstrate the seriousness of this crime and the impact on the community.  As Judge Lewis said to her about restitution, actions speak louder than words.  If she quickly makes the restitution to the town, it will help heal the wounds.” said Reams.