YOUR COMMENTS

How ironic and fitting! The Chief purportedly stole the money for his wife, Karen Dandurant, who just happens to be the seacoast's "former" star investigative reporter. In the past, her one-sided tabloid-style journalism unfairly attempted to defame more than one public official. Have to wonder what she would report on this story? Maybe she thought all that "extra income" came from the tooth fairy? It sure would be interesting to know how all that stolen money was spent.
- Ritchie, Portsmouth

Read about Murphy's pay and bennies in the Portsmouth Herald - link below. He got $60K a year, lived in an oceanfront home for $500 a month and got a free SUV, not to mention town-paid clothing:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20091002-NEWS-910029976
- Anne, Portsmouth

Obviously he didn't go to much trouble to hide what he was doing. He probably knew he'd eventually get caught. I'm sure if he really wanted to he could have covered it up a bit more.
On the other hand. He's lost everything. Not just his job, but his entire life. This guy has been a cop since before I was born. It's everything he was.
And I would disagree that this was part of his character. I know him, and I will say that I was completely shocked.
If found guilty, he will get his punishment from the legal system, but he has definitely already received it from every other aspect of life. That "career" was his entire life. Yes, he messed up. And he does deserve to be punished, just like every other person who breaks the law. And as for the corruption in the police force as a whole, he's not the first, and definitely won't be the last. Not all cops are bad (better not be, I'm going to marry one..) but, like everyone, they are human. They, unfortunately, have a lot more opportunity to do the wrong thing. And, allegedly, Jim did just that. Overall its a very sad situation.w
- Mary, Sunapee

What difference does it make what his salary was? He allegedly stole the money. Didn't he realize, being in law enforcement that there would be a paper trail which is physical evidence?

There are plenty of underpaid people working in this State and Country. They don't steal to make up the difference. They steal because that's in their character and they have what they think is the opportunity, completely ignoring the fact that there will be that paper trail.

He got caught and if convicted will have to repay it as well as ruining his career, not to mention any jail time. There is no valid excuse.
- Bob, Derry

Sad to say a black eye for the blue line. yes Police Officers / Military are under paid for their duties but clearly doesnt give the right to steal no matter the source.

Dont throw this at the whole force.... One man, his actions.
- Chris, Goffstown

Jeff from Manchester must be a porcupine. He must open-carry his firearm and sit in a park after curfew. Look at me!

Mr. Murphy made a poor decision(s) and he will pay dearly, if he hasn't already. He is a human being, just like infallable Jeff, and despite his profession, he made a mistake. Let's not type-cast cops as thieves because of one man.
- Upset Officer., GRANITE STATE

to bad this wouldn't happen in East Kingston
- Nick, East Kingston

Haven't seen him here before!

What a gig former Chief Murphy had!
- Harry, Atkinson

I can't believe how most of you took the "bait" from Jeff of Manchester. It was an obvious attempt tp provoke comments. It worked! Very entertaining.
- GDM, Somersworth

A thief is a thief is a thief, no excuses.
- Tim, Manchester

He makes a whole more than our soldiers do - plus he gets to go home and sleep in the safety of his own home.
- Tom Tuttle, Exeter

"They should have paid him more to put his life on the line every day?" I guess that is one way of thinking about it, perhaps he wasn't paid enough to not be corrupt. Generally I'd suggest looking for a new job in that case instead or turning to theft.
It is unfortunate that guys like this make it harder for the men and women who serve with honor.
- Tom, Lee

Yep, you're right Jeff. Lord knows how many times the ex-Chief put his life on the line patrolling the sleepy little village of New Castle!
- Reed Malloy, Newmarket, NH

yeah they didnt pay him enough so obviously the thing for him to do was to take food money from the poor. why, he's a hero more than anything else, fighting crime on the dangerous streets of New Castle! - this sarcasm brought to you by the James C. Murphy slush fund
- William, Manchester

Do we need to wonder why people become cynical whether their charitable donations actually go where they are intended ?
- Herb C., Concord

Really, Jeff, that's where you want to go with this story? I suppose we should give him a raise and put him back on the job, huh?
...which department do you work for?
- Bill, Newcastle

Jeff, what a leap!! You're kidding I hope!! I'm a big promoter of the police force but for you to justify someone stealing money is really amazing. Does this mean we should let all police officers steal? They all make about the same. Maybe we should let everyone steal from someone else who you think doesn't make enough. Awe the heck with honesty and all that over-rated stuff. Lets just let the place run wild and justify every crime and every tax on the good guys.
- Rick, Hollis,NH

Yeah Jeff that justfies him stealing from starving children... get a life, he agreed to the job at that rate of pay.... no need to pay him more obviously
- Jane, Manchester

I guess they should have paid him more to put his life on the line everyday!
- Jeff, Manchester