Cyberattack Disrupts Strafford County Court Operations in New Hampshire
On March 17, 2025, a cyberattack crippled Strafford County’s electronic communications system in Dover, New Hampshire, forcing the suspension of court proceedings, including an attempted murder trial. Prosecutor Joachim Barth told Judge Andrew B. Livernois that the hack disrupted every aspect of the county’s digital infrastructure and also impacted the state’s system. Defense attorney Mark Sisti noticed early signs of the issue over the weekend when his emails to prosecutors bounced back abnormally. As a result, Judge Livernois dismissed jurors and postponed the trial, highlighting the attack’s immediate effect on the judicial process.
The full extent and origin of the cyberattack remain unclear, with no confirmation yet on whether ransomware or another hacking method was involved. Officials have not disclosed whether any data was compromised. This incident follows another cyberattack just days earlier on March 14, when the Pelham School District in Pelham, New Hampshire, suffered a breach that took down its internet, phone lines, and email systems, forcing a two-week network shutdown. The back-to-back attacks raise concerns about the security of local government and public-sector networks in New Hampshire, underscoring the need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.
Beyond the technical disruption, the attack directly impacted the ongoing trial of Jason Levesque, a Rochester resident accused of shooting his neighbor six times during a dispute over snow plowing. With the jury dismissed and proceedings delayed, the case now faces further legal complications. The defense has already filed multiple motions, including one for a mistrial. While the judge has yet to rule, the cyberattack’s interference in a high-profile criminal case highlights the potential for digital threats to disrupt not only government operations but also the judicial process itself.