A long-running North Country Soap Opera has finally come to an end. Democrat State Senator Jeff Woodburn has been found guilty on four counts, including a domestic violence charge.
Woodburn, 55, of Whitefield was found guilty of one count of domestic violence, one count of simple assault, and two counts of criminal mischief.
While the abuse and destruction of property were a concern, that wasn’t half of what made this into a soap opera. His victim and accuser, a party Democrat, had Woodburn homers in a rage.
Related: While We Wait for The Trial of Accused Domestic Abuser Democrat Jeff Woodburn
The party politics as folks took sides was popcorn-worthy and covered in great detail on our pages, thanks to a source inside the party machine who was sending me emails and other details. From Elizabeth Ruediger to Democrat Mayor (Berlin, NH) Paul Grenier to groups backing Woodburn for re-election (he had to primaries out by another Dem), the hypocrats were in full bloom.
Then things got quiet but not too quiet.
The trail dates changed, things dragged on, and then COVID19.
Finally, in May of 2021, the court holds a trial, and we get a verdict.
Woodburn, 55, of Whitefield was found guilty of one count of domestic violence, one count of simple assault, and two counts of criminal mischief. The jury found him not guilty of three counts of simple assault, one count of domestic violence, and one count of criminal trespass.
Woodburn’s victim released a statement.
Through her lawyer, Jacobs issued a statement following the verdict: “Today, justice was served, and as a survivor of domestic violence, I was believed. I am grateful to the jury for convicting the defendant of domestic violence, holding him accountable for his acts of violence against me. Many victims of domestic violence do not come forward out of fear of retaliation or that they will not be believed. I too had that fear, especially in light of the political position and influence held by the defendant. I hope that this verdict will encourage other victims to report allegations of abuse, and that we will see a day when all perpetrators are held accountable.”
It’s not clear when sentencing is from these reports. He could serve jail time, but I find that unlikely. He’s not a Republican. But he will have been tried and faced his punishment so he can, by all accounts – assuming good behavior – move on.
As for the rest, well, those Democrats are still the same awful people who ignored their own narratives and put politics ahead of people.
There’s no excuse for them and no redemption until they change their ways.
