This week, law enforcement arrested Stacie Marie Laughton, a former New Hampshire state representative who holds the distinction of being the nation’s first transgender-identifying state lawmaker. Laughton has been charged with distributing child pornography. The charges against Laughton, a Democrat who had previously resigned from the New Hampshire state house on two occasions, encompass four counts of distributing sexually explicit images involving minors. Prior to transitioning, Laughton was known as Barry Charles Laughton, Jr.
According to Sgt. John Cinelli, the public information officer for the Nashua Police Department, authorities were summoned to address a juvenile-related incident on Tuesday, during which they were informed about the former lawmaker’s alleged involvement in distributing explicit images. Subsequently, on Thursday, a search was conducted at Laughton’s residence, resulting in his arrest.
“They spoke with reporting parties that indicated Laughton distributed sexually explicit images of children,” Cinelli said, according to Patch. “Detectives from the special investigations division were assigned to further the investigation. They applied for and were granted a warrant for Laughton’s arrest.”
Laughton’s arraignment is scheduled to take place on Friday at the Hillsborough County Superior Court-South.
