NH logger convicted of Deceptive Forestry, ordered to pay more than $27,000 in restitution

The N.H. Forest Protection Bureau has announced the felony conviction of Stephen O’Neill of O’Neill Timber Harvesting, LLC, in New London under the state’s Deceptive Forestry Business Practices Law. O’Neill has been ordered to pay $27,022 restitution with a potential for jail time and a fine of just under $5,000. 

In 2022, O’Neill, who had a written contract with the landowner to conduct a timber harvest, received direct payment of $27,022.60 for multiple tractor trailer loads of timber originating from the New Boston property but failed to pay the landowner for that portion of timber harvested from their land.

Throughout the year-long investigation, N.H. Forest Ranger Katharine Baughman interviewed multiple witnesses and collected evidence from loggers, truckers, sawmills, landowners and foresters. Additionally, forest rangers executed search warrants at multiple locations to acquire the evidence necessary to charge O’Neill.

“The initial suspicion of the theft was brought forward by Maria Smerczynski who was the licensed forester overseeing the harvest for the landowner,” said Capt. Michael Matson of the N.H. Forest Protection Bureau. “Forester Smerczynski played a critical role not only in alerting our bureau to the crime, but also in providing evidence throughout the investigation.” 

An arrest warrant for O’Neill was obtained and the Forest Protection Bureau worked with the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, which brought the case forward for prosecution.

On February 20, 2025, O’Neill pled guilty to a Class B felony and was required to reimburse the property owner $27,022.60 in restitution.

In addition to the felony conviction, O’Neill was sentenced to one to two years in prison, along with a $4,960 fine. Both the fine and jail time are suspended pending five years of good behavior where O’Neill cannot commit any crimes, including those involving timber harvesting.

“The Deceptive Forestry Business Practices Law is very important because it requires there to be a contract between loggers and landowners for a timber harvest that is signed in advance, with all payment details clearly laid out,” said Chief Steven Sherman of the N.H. Forest Protection Bureau.

“Buying and selling forest products is a multi-step and often ongoing process that can be confusing,” he continued. “Having a clear written agreement on forest product prices and how payment will be made prior to starting the harvest is necessary for the protection of everyone involved.”

The N.H. Forest Protection Bureau is part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Forests and Lands, which protects and promotes the value provided by trees, forests and natural communities. For more information about the Division of Forests and Lands and the work of its Forest Protection Bureau, visit nhdfl.dncr.nh.gov or call 603-271-2214.

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