McDougall Misdemeanor Trial Slated For Today

The trial for Salem Budget Committee and Zoning Board of Adjustment member Patrick McDougall on a misdemeanor obstructing government administration charge is scheduled for today.

On Friday, a clerk at the 10th Circuit Court of Salem said McDougall's trial will take place at 1 p.m this afternoon.

McDougall, 38, was charged with the misdemeanor after a June 26 incident when he allegedly refused to allow paramedics to take his wife to the hospital after she'd called 911 complaining of a migraine. McDougall later took his wife to the hospital himself.

At a hearing in October, the charge was changed from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor. Class B misdemeanors carry up to a $1,200 fine while Class A misdemeanors carry up to a $2,000 fine and a year in prison.

McDougall pleaded not guilty to the charge in July. one involving Salem Fire Chief Kevin Breen and the other when Salem Police were attempting to serve McDougall's wife with a subpoena on the misdemeanor.

McDougall faces three felony witness tampering charges and misdemeanors of criminal threatening and disorderly conduct from those incidents.

McDougall has remained serving on both boards while the charges are pending. He failed in his bid for a Republican nomination to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in September.