Claremont Police Department

05/29/2026

🚨 PRESS RELEASE 🚨

On May 28, 2026, members of the Vermont State Police, working in coordination with Detectives from the Claremont Police Department, arrested

Lance Simons
Age 55
West Charleston, VT

following an investigation that spanned several months. As a result of the investigation, Simons is being charged in New Hampshire with:

• 12 counts of Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault
• 6 counts of Pattern Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault
• 2 counts of Attempt to Commit Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault
• 2 counts of Felonious Sexual Assault
• 1 count of Attempt to Commit Felonious Sexual Assault

This arrest is the result of the dedicated efforts of Claremont Police Detectives, who worked tirelessly to conduct interviews, collect physical evidence, and coordinate with numerous local, state, and federal partners.

The Claremont Police Department would like to express its gratitude to our allied law enforcement partners, members of our multidisciplinary team, victim advocates, and, most importantly, the many courageous survivors who have come forward and shared information with investigators. Their willingness to speak about deeply personal experiences has been instrumental in advancing this investigation.

As the investigation progressed, additional individuals came forward with information, helping investigators develop a more complete understanding of the allegations. Detectives continue to actively pursue leads and assess information received from the public.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information relevant to this case, or anyone who believes they may have had contact or experiences that could assist investigators, is welcome to come forward. Every piece of information is carefully reviewed and may prove valuable to the investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Cameron Blewitt at 603-542-7010. Anonymous tips may be provided to the Claremont Police Department Detective Division at 603-542-7026.

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Due to the forecasted weather and expected rain conditions, the Claremont American Legion Post 29 Memorial Day Parade scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and continued support as we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country this Memorial Day.

Please stay safe and have a meaningful Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

⚠️ **Notice to the Public** ⚠️

The phone system at the Claremont Police Department, along with other City of Claremont governmental offices, is currently down. The service provider is working diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

🚨 **In case of an emergency, please dial 911 — emergency services are still fully operational.**

We appreciate your patience and will provide updates as they become available.

05/12/2026

‼️FOUND DOG‼️

Female chocolate Lab found on Sullivan Street in area of APC Paper.

If you know who this pup belongs to, please contact the Claremont Police Department on our non-emergency line, 603-542-9538.

05/06/2026

⚠️ Scam Alert ⚠️

The Claremont Police Department would like to remind residents to remain vigilant against financial scams targeting community members.

Recently, officers intervened after a woman was instructed by scammers posing as representatives from her bank to send several thousand dollars through a Bitcoin transaction. Fortunately, a quick-thinking store employee recognized the suspicious activity and contacted police before additional money was lost.

Scammers frequently use fear, urgency, and impersonation tactics to convince victims to transfer funds, purchase gift cards, or deposit money through cryptocurrency kiosks. Legitimate banks and government agencies will never demand payment through Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency methods.

If you receive suspicious calls, texts, or emails requesting money or personal information:
• Do not send money or cryptocurrency
• Do not provide banking or personal information
• Hang up and contact your bank directly using a trusted phone number
• Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement

We thank the alert employee for helping prevent this scam and encourage everyone to look out for friends, family members, and neighbors who may be targeted.

FBI warns of scammers posing as banks, spoofing caller ID and stealing money. Here's what you need to know. FULL STORY ⬇️

05/01/2026

Hey everyone!!! Officer Crystal’s summer camp, Project Red and Blue is teaming up and fundraising once again with Tremont House of Pizza!!!!!

For the month of May, make sure to purchase a large Chef salad maybe two or three or more throughout the month😉

Last time the community came together and purchased 561 Chef salads!!!!! Let’s see if we can break that!!!!!!

04/30/2026

PRESS RELEASE

The Claremont Police Department announces the arrest of

Christopher Daignault
Age 47
Claremont, NH

in connection with a fatal overdose that occurred earlier this year.

On March 2, 2026, Claremont Safety Services responded to a residence on Elm Street for a report of an unresponsive female. The individual was later identified as Jane Lafountain, 69, of Claremont. At the time, the cause of death was undetermined.

On April 22, 2026, the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Ms. Lafountain died as a result of fentanyl toxicity, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. Following receipt of these findings, the Claremont Police Department initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives developed information indicating that Ms. Lafountain had been provided fentanyl in the hours preceding her death by an individual inside the residence.
On April 30, 2026, investigators conducted a traffic stop involving Mr. Daignault, who was subsequently taken into custody.

Mr. Daignault has been charged with:

• Sale of a Controlled Drug Resulting in Death
• Witness Tampering (Induce Another)

He was transported to the Sullivan County House of Corrections and is expected to be arraigned in the 5th Circuit Court – District Division – Claremont on Friday, May 1, 2026.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional charges may be considered pending further review. Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Cameron Blewitt at 603-542-7010.

04/14/2026

This week, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we want to extend a sincere thank you to our dispatchers and communications professionals at the Claremont Police Department.

You are truly the backbone of our police department — the calm voice in chaos and the steady link between our officers and the community. Your professionalism, dedication, and compassion never go unnoticed.

Thank you for the critical role you play every day in keeping our officers safe and our community protected. We appreciate all that you do! 📞🚓💙

04/11/2026

Big thank you to Tremont House of Pizza for their continued support of the Claremont Police Department and our community! 🍕

Throughout the month of April, a portion of the proceeds from every “Bark and Bite” Mike’s Hot Honey Sausage grinder (with peppers & onions) goes directly to the Claremont Police K-9 Association. This helps fund medical care, surgeries, medications, senior vet visits, and a comfortable retirement for our retired K-9 heroes. 🐾💙

Thank you for backing our officers and their four-legged partners!