CLAREMONT — The city’s former parks and recreation director is facing a misdemeanor charge of fraudulent use of a credit card.
Justin Martin, 36, is accused of making unauthorized personal purchases using public funds, the Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
The Sheriff’s Department worked with the city of Claremont to conduct the investigation.
“Investigators were provided with financial records, which were reviewed for related evidence,” the release said. “A search warrant was executed and property believed to be associated with the unauthorized purchases was recovered. The investigation did not reveal any involvement by other City officials in the inappropriate use of City funds.”
Martin was arrested by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department and was released on personal recognizance bail.
A Class A misdemeanor in New Hampshire for fraud is defined by $1,000 or less and could include a fine and jail time.
Martin was absent on May 9 when the City Council discussed the parks and recreation budget for the next fiscal year. Four days later, City Manager Nancy Bates announced his resignation.
Bates was not available Friday for comment.
Efforts to reach Martin were not successful.
A Lebanon High School graduate, the city hired Martin as the recreation department supervisor of programs in 2012. He later became assistant director of the department.
He was appointed director of the recreation department in 2024, replacing Nick Lawrence who resigned. Martin was the fourth recreation director since the new community center opened in 2013.
Anyone with additional information related to the fraud investigation is encouraged to contact Lt. Eric Bates of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s office at 603-863-4200.
Martin’s next court date in the Claremont District Court has not been set.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
