Debra Paul, a publisher from Derry, is facing the possibility of jail time as she stands trial for alleged violations of the state’s Identification of Political Advertising law. Prosecutors claim that Paul repeatedly broke the law by publishing ads for local political candidates and warrant articles without including the required legal identification. While Paul’s attorney argues that her actions were unintentional and based on a faulty understanding of the law, the prosecution maintains that she was fully aware of her obligations.
The trial unfolded in the 10th Circuit Court in Derry, with Tony Naro, Paul’s attorney, emphasizing her intent to comply with the law. Naro argued that Paul’s failure to adhere to the law was due to a misunderstanding rather than an attempt to undermine democracy. However, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Conley countered by stating that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse, particularly given Paul’s prior warnings and discussions with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.
The bench trial concluded on Wednesday, with Judge Kerry Steckowych now deliberating over the arguments, testimony, and evidence presented. If found guilty, Paul could face up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000 for each charge. The charges against Paul stem from numerous reports made to the Attorney General’s Office regarding political ads in her newspapers over the years. Despite receiving warning letters in 2019 and 2021, Paul allegedly continued to publish ads without proper identification.
According to testimony shared during the trial, Paul encountered difficulties handling the ads in early 2022. Operating the two newspapers with only one employee, her husband Chris Paul, she made mistakes when publishing ads leading up to the 2022 municipal elections. Naro argued that the absence of the phrase paid political advertisement in the ads was the primary issue, as many were labeled as paid advertisement or simply advertisement.
Paul’s prior conflicts with local officials have also come into play, potentially impacting public perception of her actions. In a 2021 editorial, Paul criticized unnamed local officials and accused them of behaving like spoiled children with platinum credit cards. At the time, Paul was serving as a member of the Londonderry Town Council, and her comments drew criticism from then-Town Manager Kevin Smith, who accused her of bullying.
Furthermore, Paul found herself at odds with Londonderry Town Clerk Sherry Ferrell in 2018 over political advertising. In an article published by Paul’s Londonderry Times, campaign lawn signs were highlighted for non-compliance with the law, including Ferrell’s own signs. As a result, the Attorney General’s Office was contacted.
Paul’s health issues, including her battle with cancer, during the period in which the alleged law violations occurred have also been mentioned. Since the charges were filed, she had to shut down the Nutfield News, one of her newspapers.
The verdict in this high-profile case remains pending as Judge Steckowych weighs the arguments and evidence before reaching a decision. Regardless of the outcome, the trial has raised important questions about the obligations of publishers when it comes to political advertising and the consequences they may face for noncompliance.
In conclusion, Debra Paul, a Derry publisher, has found herself on trial for allegedly violating the state’s Identification of Political Advertising law. As the trial unfolds, both sides have presented their arguments, with Paul’s attorney asserting her intent to comply with the law, while the prosecution emphasizes her prior warnings and discussions regarding compliance. The outcome of the trial, which could result in jail time and fines, remains to be seen as the judge deliberates on the case. Meanwhile, the trial has raised broader questions about the responsibilities of publishers when it comes to political advertising and the potential consequences they may face for noncompliance.
