CONCORD, NH — Former Strafford County Sheriff Mark Brave was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to charges of theft by deception, falsifying evidence, and perjury. Brave, 39, was accused of stealing $19,000 in county funds by submitting false reimbursement claims for personal expenses, including trips to Florida and Boston.
Brave’s scheme involved submitting fraudulent reimbursement requests for things like airfare, hotel stays, and meals. He also altered receipts to conceal his personal relationship with a woman, prosecutors said. These actions led to his arrest in August 2023, and he was placed on administrative leave from his position as sheriff. Brave resigned from his post in December 2023 after being indicted.
In February 2025, Brave pleaded guilty to felony theft, perjury, and falsifying evidence. As part of the plea deal, he was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for the two counts of perjury. His sentence for the theft and falsifying evidence charges will be suspended for seven years, contingent upon good behavior.
Brave’s defense lawyer, Leif Becker, argued for a sentence without prison time, citing Brave’s lack of a prior criminal history and his acceptance of responsibility. Brave, speaking in court, expressed regret, admitting that his decisions were influenced by personal issues, including a deteriorating marriage. He stated, “I stand before you embarrassed and ashamed of my own conduct.”
In addition to his prison sentence, Brave was ordered to pay $18,969 in restitution to Strafford County. He will also surrender his law enforcement certifications and be placed on a national registry of decertified officers, effectively barring him from seeking or holding any future law enforcement positions. Furthermore, Brave will be listed on the New Hampshire Exculpatory Evidence Schedule, a database of officers who have engaged in misconduct, and will be prohibited from working in law enforcement anywhere.
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella released a statement following the sentencing, calling Brave’s actions a “profound betrayal of the public trust”. Formella emphasized that Brave’s abuse of office and repeated lies went beyond criminal actions, underscoring the responsibility of law enforcement officers to uphold integrity.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Brave’s sentencing serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their position.
