Bear Brook Podcast Summary: "The 13th Step: Feds Arrest Eric Spofford"

Episode Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host: Jason Moon
Season: 2
Podcast Description:
"Bear Brook," hosted by Jason Moon, is a critically acclaimed true crime podcast from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). Season 2 delves into the wrongful conviction of Jason Carroll and explores the quest for truth after over three decades, questioning who has the authority to tell such stories.

Introduction

In the episode titled "The 13th Step: Feds Arrest Eric Spofford," host Jason Moon provides a compelling continuation of the true crime narrative surrounding Eric Spofford, the founder and former CEO of Granite Recovery Centers. This episode marks a significant turning point as federal authorities apprehend Spofford, shedding light on the intricate web of misconduct and intimidation he orchestrated.

Recap of "The 13th Step" Podcast

Before delving into the latest developments, Jason Moon briefly recaps the focus of "The 13th Step." The podcast investigates allegations of sexual misconduct against Eric Spofford, who maintains his innocence despite a taped confession serving as the cornerstone of the case. Spofford's indictment has broader implications for how murders and misconduct cases are investigated in the future.

The Arrest of Eric Spofford

Timeline of Arrest:

• Friday, May 30, 2025:
  • Spofford spends three nights in county jail due to his arrest late on a Friday afternoon.
  • On Monday, June 2, Spofford is moved to the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston for his arraignment.

Court Appearance:

• During the arraignment, Spofford appears in handcuffs, exuding a demeanor starkly different from his previously portrayed image of power and influence.
• Judge's Conditions for Release:
  • Bail: $1 million bond, promptly paid.
  • Restrictions: No travel outside New Hampshire, curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM, prohibition from possessing firearms or weapons, mandatory drug testing, and restrictions on contacting involved parties.
  • Legal Consequences: Breaching any of these conditions constitutes a criminal offense, potentially leading to severe prison time.

Notable Quote:

“How truly remarkable this moment is. For almost two decades, Eric Spofford has built a reputation that he is powerful, well connected, and not to be fucked with.” — Todd Bookman (17:18)

The Indictment and Charges

Details of the Indictment:

• Charges: Four criminal counts related to vandalism, including stalking and conspiracy to commit stalking across state lines.
• Key Accusations:
  • Spofford conspired with Eric LaBarge to harass NHPR journalists through vandalism.
  • Provided specific instructions and personal addresses to LaBarge for these acts.
  • Financial Transactions: Spofford allegedly paid LaBarge a total of $20,000 for orchestrating these attacks.

Background of the Crimes:

• Vandalism Incidents:
  • Over three years, multiple homes associated with NHPR staff were attacked with bricks and red spray paint.
  • Targeted messages like "the beginning" were left, signifying the commencement of Spofford's intimidation campaign.

Notable Quote:

“Eric Spofford paid his friend Eric LaBarge $20 grand to attack our homes, all because he wanted to shut down our reporting that showed credible allegations that he sexually abused multiple women.” — Todd Bookman (26:14)

Court Appearance Insights

Lauren Chooljian provides a first-hand account of Spofford's court appearance:

• First Impression: Describes Spofford's attire and demeanor as exhausted and unconfident.
• Behavior: Spofford maintains a stoic presence, avoiding eye contact and appearing detached from his surroundings.
• Significance: Highlights the contrast between Spofford's previous formidable reputation and his current vulnerable state.

Notable Quote:

“I know I've taken you into a few federal courtrooms now, but as I watch the FBI agent uncuff Eric's wrists, it dawns on me how truly remarkable this moment is.” — Todd Bookman (16:30)

Reactions from Colleagues and Sources

Brian Stays (Former COO of Granite Recovery Centers):

• Emotional Response: Expresses joy and relief, viewing Spofford's arrest as just desserts for his past actions.
• Work Environment: Describes Spofford as a tyrannical leader who fostered a toxic workplace.

Notable Quote:

“I just feel justice is in the process of being served. And I just feel in this day and age, sometimes that doesn't always happen. So it was nice to see this happening in this case.” — Andrea (26:30)

Other Sources:

• Jay (Executive Director of a Pennsylvania Facility): Confirms the continued toxic leadership under Spofford, aligning with past experiences.
• Anonymous Sources: Highlight the pervasive corruption Spofford infused into the recovery community, branding it as "a giant circle of greed and sickness."

The Legacy and Impact on the Recovery Community

Eric Spofford was once revered as a pivotal figure in New Hampshire's addiction recovery sector, known for his close ties with political leaders like then-Senator Kelly Ayotte and Governor Chris Sununu. However, beneath the facade of success and influence lay a series of dark allegations:

• Allegations: Sexual harassment and assault of multiple women, abusive management practices, and coercion of employees into silence.
• Community Impact: Spofford's dominance stifled dissent and concealed the mistreatment within the recovery community, making it challenging for victims to come forward.
• Revelations: The podcast's investigative reporting unveiled these abuses, leading to legal actions against Spofford and his associates.

Notable Quote:

“He was like the God of recovery around here. And yet, for all those years, there were whispers around the recovery community in New England that there was a darker side to Eric.” — Todd Bookman (19:29)

Personal Reflections of the Host

Todd Bookman shares his internal struggle following Spofford's arrest:

• Emotional Complexity: Balancing professional excitement over the arrest with personal fears about the appropriateness of his reactions.
• Support System: Reflects on conversations with his husband Matt and the broader network of women affected by Spofford's actions.
• Ongoing Trauma: Acknowledges the resurgence of past traumas and the multifaceted emotions stemming from the case's developments.

Notable Quote:

“This is totally uncharted territory. And that excitement you heard is not my one and only feeling about his arrest. In fact, that excitement wore off about an hour after I broke the news to Matt.” — Todd Bookman (07:23)

Conclusion

The arrest of Eric Spofford represents a watershed moment for both the podcast and the broader discourse on misconduct within influential communities. "The 13th Step: Feds Arrest Eric Spofford" not only chronicles the legal repercussions faced by Spofford but also underscores the resilience of journalists and victims striving for justice. As the case unfolds, the podcast remains a critical voice in ensuring accountability and illuminating the shadows cast by power and abuse.

Notable Quotes Compilation

• “How truly remarkable this moment is. For almost two decades, Eric Spofford has built a reputation that he is powerful, well connected, and not to be fucked with.” — Todd Bookman (17:18)

• “Eric Spofford paid his friend Eric LaBarge $20 grand to attack our homes, all because he wanted to shut down our reporting that showed credible allegations that he sexually abused multiple women.” — Todd Bookman (26:14)

• “I just feel justice is in the process of being served. And I just feel in this day and age, sometimes that doesn't always happen. So it was nice to see this happening in this case.” — Andrea (26:30)

• “He was like the God of recovery around here. And yet, for all those years, there were whispers around the recovery community in New Hampshire that there was a darker side to Eric.” — Todd Bookman (19:29)

• “This is totally uncharted territory. And that excitement you heard is not my one and only feeling about his arrest. In fact, that excitement wore off about an hour after I broke the news to Matt.” — Todd Bookman (07:23)

Production Credits:
"The 13th Step" is reported and produced by Lauren Chooljian, with mixing and additional reporting by Jason Moon. Editing is handled by senior editor Katie Colinari, news director Dan Baric, and Allison McAdam. Artwork and website content were created by Sara Plord. Legal advice was provided by Sigmund Schutz, and NHPR's director of on-demand audio is Rebecca Lavoy.

For more detailed information, including the full federal indictment against Eric Spofford, visit thirteenthsteppodcast.org.