CONCORD, NH — A man from Concord, arrested on threat, assault, and other charges during the past two years, will be in court next month to face stalking and breach of bail charges.
Around 8 p.m. on June 2, police were sent to the Morning Star Condominium complex for a report of a bail violation.
A woman in her early 20s accused John Lee Ratchford, 45, of Loudon Road in Concord, of being outside her apartment building. The woman said he was in the parking lot of the complex, "dancing near her apartment building," the report said, and then moved over to the area of the complex where the dumpsters were located. The reporting officer arrived and spoke to Ratchford and others, according to an affidavit. Ratchford, who was deemed cooperative during the interview, said he was just hanging out near the dumpsters, the officer wrote.
The officer checked records and was told there were no orders and no bail paperwork because a court date had already occurred, the report said. The officer then cleared the scene.
Editor's note: This post was derived from information provided by the Concord Police Department and Concord District Court and does not constitute a conviction. This link explains how to request the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports.
The next day, the officer checked in with prosecutors about the case and found the bail conditions were active since May 5, after Ratchford was arrested on threat, disorderly, and assault charges. As part of his bail conditions, he was required to stay more than 200 feet away from the woman and "shall not linger outside (her) apartment building."
On June 6, the officer spoke to the complainant, assessed where she lived, took measurements, and found Ratchford was standing within 200 feet of her building, based on the conversation from the night in question, the affidavit said.
On June 13, the officer issued an arrest warrant and Ratchford was picked up on July 27, detained, and arraigned by video on July 28. He was granted a public defender and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Ratchford is due back in Concord District Court on Oct. 22.
Originally from Connecticut, Ratchford has been arrested or given summons several times during the past few years.
Ratchford was arrested on threat and resisting charges in August 2025. In October 2025, he was charged with simple assault. Ratchford was arrested on assault, mischief, obstruction, and domestic violence charges in February, while reportedly living in Pittsfield. He was arrested again on threat, disorderly, and assault charges and a littering violation in May.
All of the arrests occurred after incidents on Loudon Road.
Ratchford was also cited in 2021 and 2024 on license charges.
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