Kim Kossick’s Record as Public Defender Under Review in Hillsborough County Attorney Race
In the race for Hillsborough County Attorney, a newly launched website, KimKossick.com, has drawn attention to the controversial legal record of candidate Kim Kossick.
The site, reportedly funded by backers of her opponent, John Coughlin, paints Kossick’s career as a public defender in a critical light, particularly her defense of individuals charged with violent crimes.
The website highlights several cases where Kossick represented clients accused of serious offenses, such as sexual assault and attempted murder. One prominent case featured on the site involves Amuri Diole, who was charged with a violent sexual assault in Manchester. The website claims that Kossick not only defended Diole but also appealed his case to the state’s Supreme Court, a move that her critics argue put the interests of the accused ahead of the victim’s safety.
Another case outlined on the site involves Jose Polanco Diaz, who was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her home while threatening her with a machete. Despite the evidence against Diaz, the website criticizes Kossick for questioning the victim’s credibility and defending Diaz’s release, raising concerns about public safety.
The website also lists other cases where Kossick represented individuals accused of violent crimes, including Robert Gagnon, who was linked to a deadly shooting, and Matthew Flewelling, whose Rottweiler was used to attack his girlfriend. The site questions whether Kossick’s judgment in these cases aligns with the responsibilities of a County Attorney, a role focused on prosecuting offenders and protecting the community.
Kossick’s pattern of defending violent offenders could undermine her ability to serve as County Attorney, where the focus is on seeking justice for victims, as well as prosecuting in the courtroom.
In contrast, John Coughlin’s campaign emphasizes his experience and leadership in both the legal field and public service. Coughlin, who serves currently as Hillsborough County Attorney and spent 15 years as a New Hampshire Circuit Court judge, is running on a platform of restoring justice and ensuring public safety. Coughlin has a military background, having served three tours in Iraq as a Lieutenant Colonel, where he advised on legal and security matters.
Voters will ultimately decide whether Kossick’s background as a public defender aligns with the needs of the County Attorney’s office, or if Coughlin’s experience in prosecution and judicial roles makes him the better choice to lead the office.
For more information, voters can visit the campaign websites at KimKossick.com and JohnCoughlin2024.com.
Disclosure: Both the Kim Kossick and John Coughlin campaigns have been contacted for comment regarding the claims made on the website, but at the time of publication, no responses have been received.
