Concord, Nottingham Men Face Hate Crime Charges

The Merrimack County Attorney’s Office has elevated charges against two men to hate crimes after they allegedly beat an African-American man in Hooksett in July.

The Associated Press is reporting that Donald Freese, 21, of Concord, and Joshua Peno, 21, of Nottingham, were indicted in September on assault charges that were elevated after the men allegedly used a racial slur against the man before the assault.

According to the indictment, Freese and Peno reportedly yelled at the man while driving by him. The man, who was on a moped, pulled up to the car the men were in, with others, and asked what they said. Police allege that Freese and Peno started hitting the man on the head and threw him to the ground. Freese was also faces a felony criminal threatening charge for allegedly pulling out a knife during the attack.

Peno’s girlfriend, Nicholette Nicolaides, was allegedly driving the car during the incident and she faces a disorderly conduct charge. She reportedly tried to flee the scene but her car ran out of gas.

Freese, Peno, and Nicolaides are no strangers to criminal incidents. During the last year, they’ve all face charges.

On Dec. 2, 2011, Nicolaides was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of alcohol and transportation of alcohol by a minor while driving on Branch Turnpike.

On Jan. 30, both Freese and Peno were arrested in Salem on multiple charges including theft, unarmed robbery, resisting arrest, and warrants.

Freese was also arrested on May 13, on a bench warrant.