Amid Lawsuit, County Says Its Ability to Oversee Prosecutors’ Office Is ‘Limited’
In the wake of a civil lawsuit against the Merrimack County Attorney’s Office, the county’s three commissioners said Monday they have limited oversight of the department and the decisions of its top prosecutor, who is chosen by voters. “While the Board of County Commissioners is generally responsible for overseeing all aspects of county government, the elected County Attorney is solely responsible for overseeing the functions of the County Attorney’s office, including its investigative, prosecutorial and law enforcement functions,” Commissioners Chairwoman Tara Reardon wrote in a letter distributed Monday. “As a result, the Commissioners are limited in their ability to determine how the County Attorney’s office is run and where it focuses its efforts.” Last week, former sexual assault investigator Jennifer Adams sued Merrimack County and County Attorney Robin Davis, who is accused of creating a hostile work environment since taking over more than seven months ago. Through her attorney Charles Douglas, Adams has brought multiple civil claims against Davis and the county in Merrimack County Superior Court, including intentional infliction of emotional distress, gender discrimination and aiding and abetting unlawful discriminatory practices. Adams is seeking