From The Citizen…
OSSIPEE, N.H. – A state representative who served as coordinator for U.S. Senator Joe Biden’s presidential campaign in the recent New Hampshire Primary has been jailed for violating a court order related to a forgery case.
James E. Ryan, 50, of Franklin, remains held at the Carroll County Department of Corrections jail in Ossipee this afternoon in lieu of $9,675 cash-only bail. He was arrested Tuesday by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department.
Ryan represents the city of Franklin in the New Hampshire Legislature and is the chairman of the House Transportation Committee. He is listed in Biden for President documents as the Senator’s N.H. campaign chairman and senior advisor.
Records in Carroll County Superior Court show Ryan was indicted on four felony counts of forgery.
In 1992 he was given concurrent one-and-a-half to three year sentences in the New Hampshire State Prison but both were suspended.
In 1996 he was sentenced to two-to-four years. He was subsequently charged with violating the terms of his probation by failing to pay $9,765 in restitution.
During a bail hearing this morning in Carroll County Superior Court, Assistant County Attorney Susan Boone argued that Ryan should be jailed for violating a court order.
On Sept. 11, 2006 Ryan signed an agreement stating he would pay the court-ordered restitution by May 2007. The hearing was held telephonically with Judge Kenneth Brown of Strafford County, as there was a potential conflict with the judge sitting in Carroll County, a court spokesman confirmed.
Ryan chaired the presidential campaign for U.S. Sen. Biden in the New Hampshire Primary. He was expected to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, but members of the New Hampshire delegation indicated he was not present this week for activities.
Sen. Biden this week was selected by Sen. Barack Obama as his vice presidential running mate.