Though all the players were set for the trial of former town administrator John Anderson on the morning of Wednesday, July 30, an issue separate from the case prompted yet another postponement.
While Anderson and both sides’ attorneys were at Derry District Court early Wednesday morning, July 30, the courtroom had been double booked with an older trial. The sides could have waited to start later in the day, but after consultation with attorneys it was decided to reschedule instead.
The trial is now set for Tuesday Aug. 19, at 9:15 a.m. A year will have passed since Anderson was formally charged with indecent exposure and lewdness.
The waiting area outside of the courtroom saw just a handful of trial attendees, among them a couple of law students interested in the legal aspects of the case, including what was appropriate in one’s own home in the eyes of the law.
Anderson, 51, has been charged for allegedly exposing himself at his home to a DirecTV salesman last year. He faces two counts, both misdemeanors that carry with them a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
The New Hampshire State Police conducted a five-week investigation into the matter after Derry police turned the investigation over to that agency because they were under Anderson’s jurisdiction. It has since been given to the Rockingham County Attorney’s office.
After putting Anderson on paid administrative leave the day after the alleged incident on July 11, 2013, the Derry Town Council voted on Oct. 15 to terminate the town’s relationship with him. He was formally charged on Aug. 16. Soon after, the council moved him from paid to unpaid administrative leave.
The council has not yet hired Anderson’s replacement, but pending a second search, hopes to have someone in the role this fall.
According to the Derry assessor’s online records, the home at 8 Lane Road in which the incident is said to have taken place is co-owned by Anderson and Catharine Walton Sherrill. The house, the 1810 Alanson Tucker house, is currently for sale and is listed at $344,900.