Episode Overview

Podcast: The 13th Step
Episode Title: The Sentencing
Host: Lauren Chulgin, NHPR
Air Date: December 11, 2024

In the final episode of "The 13th Step," Lauren Chulgin brings listeners inside the federal courtroom for the sentencing of Eric LaBarge, who orchestrated a campaign of vandalism and intimidation in retaliation for NHPR's reporting on sexual misconduct allegations against Eric Spofford, founder of one of New Hampshire's largest addiction treatment providers. The episode is structured in two parts: a factual, reporter-style recounting of the sentencing, followed by Chulgin’s deeply personal reflections on her complex emotions as both a journalist and a victim.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Background and Context

• In 2022, NHPR published allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against Eric Spofford.
• Following the reporting, homes of reporter Lauren Chulgin’s family, her colleagues, and her own were vandalized—windows smashed, slurs spray-painted, messages left like “just the beginning.”
• Investigators linked the attacks to Eric LaBarge, a close friend and business associate of Spofford, who owned multiple sober homes and himself had a history of addiction and violence.

2. The Federal Sentencing Hearing (Reporter’s Perspective)

[04:00 - 14:40]

The Courtroom

• Eric LaBarge entered the Boston federal courtroom, physically imposing and emotionless, dressed in a jail-issued uniform.
• On one side sat the victims—all directly impacted by the attacks. On the other: LaBarge supporters.

The Prosecution

• Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Casey detailed how LaBarge meticulously orchestrated the vandalism as revenge and out of loyalty to Spofford:

  • Chose the victims, slogans, and even the color of paint.
  • Noted the chilling effect on journalism and the First Amendment.
  • Stressed LaBarge’s "history of weaponizing addiction when it suits him" (09:16).
  • Cited a separate, violent assault by LaBarge, recorded on video, which happened while he was out on bail.

• Judge Indira Talwani’s comments:

  • Responded to the assault video: "What you see in that video is horrendously violent. How was he let go on that charge?" (10:30)

The Defense

• Attorney Michael Connolly argued LaBarge’s remorse and community service, referencing dozens of support letters.
• Emphasized LaBarge’s traumatic and abusive upbringing, repeated relapse, and struggles with mental illness.
• Judge pressed on whether LaBarge’s supporters knew the full extent of his crimes; the defense conceded not all may have.

LaBarge’s Statement

• LaBarge directly addressed the victims:

  “Lauren, Barry, Carrie, Daniel, and anyone else I have harmed... I am truly sorry for causing fear, trauma, terror and anger. I hope one day you can accept my apology, but I understand if that day never comes.” (13:32)

• Notably, he omitted any mention of Spofford, the original reporting, or reasons for the attacks.

Sentencing

• Judge Talwani called it a conspiracy to terrorize people for speaking out, underscoring the harm to real individuals and the perpetrators themselves.
• LaBarge received:
  • 46 months in prison
  • 3 years supervised release
  • $10,000 fine
  • $34,748.17 restitution
• His three co-defendants (the men paid to carry out the attacks) received lesser sentences (21-30 months).

The Ongoing Spofford Connection

• Prosecutors recounted LaBarge’s frequent communication with Spofford around the vandalism.
• Spofford has not been charged and claims no involvement; the investigation remains open.

3. Personal Impact – “Me, Lauren” (Host Reflection)

[14:40 - End]

Raw and Complicated Emotions

• Chulgin describes feeling neither vindicated nor celebratory about the sentencing:

  “You know what? I don’t... None of those words ring true for me.” (15:05)

• She revisits a 2020 interview with LaBarge, highlighting his entrenched history with incarceration:

  “The longer I stayed in, the more of a convict I became... It became home. And it still feels a little weird saying that, but it’s my truth.”
  — Eric LaBarge (15:27)

Empathy and Its Limits

• Lauren wrestles with complex empathy for LaBarge’s childhood trauma and own victimization, set against undeniable harm he caused by manipulating addiction to orchestrate violence against journalists and survivors.
• She notes the broader pattern in recovery settings:

  "Because Eric LaBarge manipulated addiction for his own gain. He did it to hurt me, and he did it to scare women in his own community from reporting allegations that his friend Eric Spofford sexually abused them. And it worked." (18:38)

The Systemic Pattern

• Chulgin explicitly links LaBarge’s actions to the phenomenon known as "13th stepping"—the exploitation of vulnerable people in recovery settings by those in positions of power.
• The episode closes on uncertainty and unease about LaBarge’s stated intent to return to work in addiction treatment upon release.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This defendant... weaponizing addiction when it suits him.” — AUSA Jason Casey (09:16)
• “What you see in that video is horrendously violent. How was he let go on that charge?” — Judge Indira Talwani (10:30)
• “Lauren, Barry, Carrie, Daniel, and anyone else I have harmed... I am truly sorry for causing fear, trauma, terror and anger. I hope one day you can accept my apology, but I understand if that day never comes.” — Eric LaBarge (13:32)
• “This was a conspiracy to terrorize people for writing something you didn’t like.” — Judge Indira Talwani (14:15)
• “None of those words ring true for me. I have a lot of raw, complicated feelings about Eric LaBarge... Like his sentence, 46 months. I’ve never really felt caught up about how much prison time LaBarge would get or not.” — Lauren Chulgin (15:05)
• "It was so easy for me to feel empathy for the other guys that LaBarge paid to attack our houses... But when it comes to LaBarge, it’s just not as easy." — Lauren Chulgin (17:30)
• “People who understand what it’s like to be in the throes of addiction and early recovery manipulate it for their own gain. LaBarge’s lawyer told the judge that once LaBarge is out of prison, he plans to return to active engagement in the addiction treatment world. And you know what? I just don’t know how to feel about that.” — Lauren Chulgin (19:16)

Key Timestamps

• 00:15 – 01:22: Recap of vandalism and retaliation
• 04:00 – 09:16: Courtroom scene, prosecution argument, LaBarge’s criminal history
• 10:30 – 13:32: Defense case, LaBarge’s personal statement to victims
• 14:15: Judge Talwani’s critical remarks and sentencing announcement
• 15:05 – 17:30: Lauren’s personal reflections and struggle with empathy
• 17:50 – End: Broader discussion on the exploitation of addiction and uncertainty about the future

Conclusion

This episode provides a powerful, unvarnished exploration of both the procedural and personal impact of retaliation against journalists and survivors exposing abuse in addiction treatment. By blending rigorous reporting with vulnerable personal storytelling, Lauren Chulgin underscores the profound harm caused by those who exploit the most vulnerable—and the scars left behind, regardless of what the law decides. The episode closes with Lauren—and the audience—left questioning the adequacy of justice and the ongoing risks inherent in confronting entrenched abuse.