NH Fugitive, With ‘Violent Tendencies,’ Has Active Warrants In 3 States: Corrections

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Corrections is asking for the public’s help finding a fugitive with “violent tendencies” and prior charges in two other states.

James Edward Smith is white, 37, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and weighs around 160 pounds. He has blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. Investigators said Smith has several tattoos, including a cross on his upper left arm, a heart on his upper right arm, a cartoon on his lower right arm, and scars on his groin and abdomen.

Smith, officials said, was convicted of second-degree assault and released on parole. The state parole board now wants him, and he also has active warrants in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He was arrested on December 2023 in Pennsylvania on a fugitive from justice charge but released on bond with directives to turn himself in. He was accused of failing to do so. Smith was also previously convicted of first-degree assault and battery in South Carolina.

“Smith has a history of violence and substance abuse,” investigators said. “Smith has a significant criminal history including controlled drugs, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal trespassing, simple assault, (and) prior violations of probation.”

According to superior court records, Smith’s criminal history dates back to at least January 2011, when he was accused of attempted acts prohibited in Franklin. In March 2011, he was accused of theft in Concord. A month later, he pleaded guilty to the Concord theft charge and received a 12-month sentence, suspended for five years and two years of probation. Smith received credit for three days time served. On the drug charge, he pleaded guilty in June 2012 and received a three to 12-month sentence and $620 fine, all suspended for five years, and two years probation.

In March 2013, he was arrested again on a felony theft charge in Franklin involving a stolen air conditioner. Four months later, he pleaded guilty to the charge. Smith received a two- to five-year sentence, suspended for seven years.

If you know where Smith is, do not try to apprehend him. Call your local police department or the corrections department at 603-271-1804.

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