Elbit America Merrimack Anti-Israel ‘Rioters’ Get 60 Days In Jail Each

CONCORD, NH — Four anti-Israel protesters who were arrested last year at a defense contractor facility in Merrimack escaped felony charges in a plea deal Thursday, according to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.

Paige M. Belanger of East Road in Alford, Massachusetts; Bridget Irene Shergalis of Whetstone Mills in Dayville, Connecticut; Calla Mairead Walsh of Decatur Street in Cambridge, MA; and Sophie Marika Ross of North Plain Road in Housatonic, MA; all pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and criminal trespass, both misdemeanor charges, in Hillsborough County Superior Court-South. They each received 12-month sentences, with all but 60 days deferred for six months, then further suspended for two-and-a-half years, with an additional 12 months suspended sentence.

“The suspended sentences are conditioned on the defendants’ continued good behavior,” Michael Garry, the director of communications for the attorney general’s office, said, “paying restitution in full to Elbit Systems of America, joint and several between them; completing community service supporting southern New Hampshire charities within six months of their release from incarceration; and not coming within 300 feet of any Elbit property.”

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The women, on Nov. 20, 2023, joined with others to block the entrance to the facility and later entered the building and caused extensive damage during pro-Palestine protests at the Israeli company. The women caused more than $95,000 in damages.

According to investigators, Ross, Shergalis, and Walsh climbed a ladder to the roof of the building, smashed a skylight, and damaged a ventilation system. They also spray-painted graffiti and dumped paint down a sign on the front of the building.

Belanger remained on the ground, threw jars of paint at windows and doors, and smashed them with a hammer.

The actions of the women, Garrity said, caused “extreme emotional distress” for the employees.

“Should the defendants engage in any unlawful activity or fail to comply with the conditions outlined by the court, the suspended sentences may be imposed,” he added.

Garrity said the plea deal balanced the needs of the victims and the state and hoped it would serve “the broader goal of deterrence and sends a clear message from law enforcement that criminal conduct aimed at disrupting businesses and communities will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.” He said the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit also opened a separate investigation against the women.

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