Ousted Rochester councilor Chris Rice charged with accessing police records on 3 people

ROCHESTER — Former city councilor Chris Rice was arrested last week after allegedly using police data systems while working in the Rockingham County sheriff's office, to try to gain access to personal information of three people.

The people he allegedly researched included a female Rochester city councilor who Rice sexually harassed, leading to his dismissal from the council in May.

Rice, 32, is free on bail ahead of a December court date. Reached by phone, Rice, said he has been advised by his attorney, Richard Clark of Portsmouth, not to comment.

Six charges, all misdemeanors, allege Rice illegally accessed computer systems of police and the department of motor vehicles, seeking to gain information about three individuals, including a current Rochester city councilor Rice served alongside.

Previous reporting: Chris Rice removed from Rochester City Council in trial, calls process 'unfair'

On Sept. 9, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office requested that New Hampshire State Police conduct an investigation into Rice, employed as a civilian dispatcher for the sheriff's office. It is alleged he used Rockingham County computer systems to access the State Police Online Telecommunication System (S.P.O.T.S.) information on three drivers licenses, without authorization.

Rice is charged with three misdemeanor counts of computer-related offenses and three misdemeanor counts of records and certifications. He was released on personal recognizance bail and will appear in the 10th circuit district court in Brentwood on Monday, Dec. 12.

From May: Rochester councilor Chris Rice accused of sexual harassment of peers, could face removal

Rice was removed from the Rochester City Council after a trial conducted by the council concluded he had sexually harassed one current councilor and another former city councilor, who said he repeatedly made comments about their bodies and appearance over many months, dating back to last year, despite being told to stop multiple times. The current councilor also told investigators hired by the city that Rice had intimidated her during a March meeting with a gun.

Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan, a veteran in law enforcement, said, "I have great respect for the justice system. I will watch to see how the case unfolds."

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Ex-Rochester councilor Chris Rice charged in police records violation