Sheriff: Bailiff unknowingly sold stolen wreaths

[December 11, 2009]  MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) -- The Hillsborough County sheriff said a court bailiff sold stolen Christmas wreaths in the lobby of the Superior Court in Manchester. Sheriff James Hardy said the bailiff sold the wreaths after being asked to do so by an elderly woman who told the bailiff she had made them.

But the New Hampshire Union Leader said it turns out the wreaths were among about 36 stolen from Jacques Flower Shop in Goffstown last week.

Seven courthouse employees bought wreaths at $10 each.

Hardy said it appears the bailiff was trying to help the elderly woman. He wouldn't identify the bailiff.

Flower shop manager Paul Godbout said the investigation was triggered after someone noticed the store price tags on the wreaths.

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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com/

[Associated Press]

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