So I suppose two people doing it behind a bush aren't really covered by this, because they're not likely to cause alarm to anyone... Of course, judging by Manedwolf's previously expressed opinion, he'd throw them in a chain gang anyhow.
If they're in a public area where someone can stumble across them, that's the legal precedent. That's how they've been charged in the recent arrests, with convictions.
Five men were arrested at Hooksetts park and ride lot on Hackett Hill Road as police investigated the spot for reports of lewd acts in the woods there.
Its been ongoing for years now. Theres been word that this kind of stuff goes on, said Hooksett police Detective Sgt. Nick Pinardi of the relatively remote trail system near the park and ride, across the street from the toll booth.
Robert Blais, 55, of Manchester, and Earl Corey, 55, of Warner, were arrested on Thursday, April 17, and charged with criminal trespass, indecent exposure and disorderly conduct, said Pinardi.
Pinardi said the department has fielded complaints from citizens going to the park and ride for legitimate use of the trail systems, and have seen people, particularly men, congregating at the parking lot and heading into the woods.
Some have seen these men performing sexual acts, Pinardi said. Since the snow has melted, the department has heard more of these accounts, and responded by putting extra patrols on the parking lot.
One of our officers walked right up on it, Pinardi said. The officer caught Blais and Corey in the act on the trail by the park and ride, Pinardi said. As the officer approached the area where the two men were, a third man walking ahead of him went to the same spot and stood directly next to Blais and Corey.
That man, Michael White, 44, of Canterbury, attempted to flee when he saw the officer approaching. When the officer asked what he was doing there, White allegedly said he was going to the bathroom.
White was charged with criminal trespass, as he was fully clothed at the time of the arrest.
On a second foot patrol through the trails, an officer came upon William Vickory, 60, of Pembroke, and Stephen Savoy, 43, of Manchester, who appeared to be pulling their pants up, Pinardi said. Both were charged with criminal trespass, he said.
Pinardi said Hooksett police will continue to patrol the area, as they believe this is a common place for people to commit such acts.
The ground in the area, Pinardi said, is littered with trash and condoms.
If Blais and Corey are convicted on the indecent exposure charges, they will have to register with the states sex offender registry.
All five men are due to be arraigned in Hooksett District Court on May 21 at 8:30 a.m.
The reaction from the community was unanimous cheers for the officers. Such is Northern New England. If you can't deal with that...don't live here. Massachusetts is a lot more permissive of immorality.
