Podcast Summary: The 13th Step – “A Big Arrest”

Host: New Hampshire Public Radio
Episode Air Date: September 12, 2023
Main Reporter & Narrator: Lauren Chooljian
Theme: An investigation into the criminal escalation and personal connections within the addiction treatment industry, focusing on the arrest of Eric LaBarge for orchestrating a campaign of targeted harassment against journalists reporting on sexual misconduct and other abuses.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a major update on a series of vandalism attacks targeting NHPR reporter Lauren Chooljian and her colleagues. It details the federal arrest of Eric LaBarge—a key player in the recovery industry—alleged to have organized and financed these attacks. Chooljian provides context into LaBarge's criminal and personal background, his connection to influential treatment mogul Eric Spofford, and the ongoing fallout for the recovery world. The reporting offers an insider’s view, as Chooljian is both journalist and victim.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Arrest & Case Overview

• Lauren Chooljian recounts (00:16) the news of Eric LaBarge’s arrest, following prior arrests of three men accused of vandalizing her and her family’s homes.
• Lauren emphasizes how she occupies a dual role as both journalist and crime victim:
  “I’m a reporter...But I’m also one of the victims of the federal crimes LaBarge was arrested for.” (01:46)
• The FBI views LaBarge as the orchestrator, having paid others to harass Chooljian and colleagues due to her reporting on Eric Spofford.

2. Who is Eric LaBarge?

• At 46, LaBarge has a long criminal history including prison time, violent acts, and alleged ties to organized crime. He’s portrayed as both physically imposing and charismatic.
• Excerpts from a 2020 interview reveal his self-perception:
  • “I went to prison when I was about 19 years old… I got into a fight when I was younger and I ended up doing two to seven.” (02:57)
  • He admits to finding prison life “almost a comfortable feeling.” (03:30)
  • “I did favors for people with violence, and I did things that most people wouldn’t do… I wasn’t a good person.” (04:30)
• Recent history: In 2022, LaBarge was charged with first-degree assault, accused of a brutal attack caught on video. At the time of his federal arrest, he was free on bail (05:08).

3. Ties to Eric Spofford

• The reporting probes LaBarge’s close friendship and business relationship with Erich Spofford, a major figure in New Hampshire’s addiction treatment industry.
  • “Eric Spofford has referred to Eric Labarge as his family.” (06:12)
  • Their online presence displays mutual loyalty, with gym selfies and declarations like:
    • “You can’t find happiness without friendship. Loyalty is a scarce commodity.” (Spofford, quoted by Lauren Chooljian, 08:05)
• Publicly, Spofford denies involvement and suggests, “Perhaps one of [my supporters] felt compelled to do these acts in a misguided attempt to defend me. I would never condone it...” (09:42)

4. Details from the Federal Indictment

• The indictment reveals how LaBarge allegedly planned and paid for the attacks:
  • He directly gave targets and instructions to the perpetrators.
  • Text exchanges presented as evidence:
    • After a house was vandalized: “We good?” LaBarge (with thumbs up emoji); response: “All gravy.” (13:44)
    • Payment arrangements: “wanna make some cash? Lil spray paint and brick through a window, $500.” (14:20)
  • Multiple attacks were organized, paid for ($500–$1,000 per job), and involved parties with substance use histories themselves.
• Prosecutors allege five separate coordinated vandalism acts against Chooljian, her parents, and colleagues.

5. In the Federal Courtroom

• Chooljian attends LaBarge’s first court appearance in Boston:
  • “Labarge walked in, handcuffed and flanked by two FBI agents... He was staring right at me. We locked eyes.” (16:54)
  • LaBarge is described as “totally unfazed,” even laughing with his attorney.
  • He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted:
    • 1 count of conspiracy to commit stalking
    • 2 counts of stalking through interstate travel, aiding and abetting

6. The Underbelly of the Recovery Industry

• Chooljian uncovers a disturbing connection: LaBarge is not only an accused instigator of violence, but also owns and operates Starting Point, a company with at least seven sober-living homes in New Hampshire (19:20).
• From his company’s website:
  • “If you are looking for a way out of active addiction, I don’t care where you’ve been, what you’ve done... I only care about one thing. Are you willing to become a solid guy?” (19:47)
  • “We will teach you [how to be a decent human being].”
• The story highlights a profound contradiction: trusted recovery professionals acting as agents of harassment.

7. Open Questions & Uncertainty

• The indictment mentions “others known and unknown to the grand jury,” leaving open the possibility of further arrests (22:16).
• The episode ends with Lauren noting the ongoing nature of the case and her commitment to report any new developments.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lauren Chooljian on her dual role:
  “After three years of reporting and all that’s happened in response, I know the story best.” (01:42)
• Eric LaBarge (archival video):
  “When I went, it was almost a comfortable feeling in the back of the cruiser in handcuffs, knowing that I was going back home.” (03:30)
• LaBarge on his past violence:
  “I did favors for people with violence, and I did things that most people wouldn’t do… I wasn’t a good person.” (04:30)
• Spofford’s online support:
  • “You can’t find happiness without friendship. Loyalty is a scarce commodity.” (Spofford, via Facebook, 08:05)
• LaBarge’s recovery pitch:
  “I don’t care where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or how you got yourself into or out of jams... I only care about one thing. Are you willing to become a solid guy?” (19:47)

Key Timestamps

• 00:16 — News of Eric LaBarge's arrest delivered
• 02:57 — Archival interview: LaBarge's early prison sentence
• 03:30–04:49 — LaBarge discusses comfort with violence
• 05:08 — Recent assault charges against LaBarge
• 06:12–08:05 — LaBarge’s connection to Eric Spofford, social media posts
• 13:44–15:26 — Indictment text messages, payment details for vandalism
• 16:54–18:25 — First-person account of LaBarge’s court appearance
• 19:20–20:04 — LaBarge’s operation of Starting Point sober homes; recovery messaging
• 22:16 — Ongoing investigation; “others known and unknown”

Tone & Conclusion

With Lauren Chooljian as both investigator and target, the episode blends factual reporting with a sense of personal stakes and systemic outrage. The narrative exposes how individuals with histories of violence can acquire authority in addiction recovery, and unflinchingly details the intimidation campaign against journalists holding them to account. The episode closes with yet unanswered questions about the extent of the conspiracy and signals further reporting to come.

Listen for: The intersection of personal risk, investigative journalism, and the paradoxes within the recovery industry.