A former manager of an exclusive New Hampshire country club stands accused of orchestrating a sophisticated embezzlement scheme that targeted elderly members, allegedly siphoning nearly $500,000 through unauthorised credit card transactions.
Hunter Nadeau, 30, who managed the Derryfield Country Club in Manchester, New Hampshire, faces multiple felony charges including theft by unauthorised taking and fraudulent use of credit cards. The alleged crimes occurred between January 2022 and November 2023 during his tenure at the prestigious establishment.
Sophisticated Fraud Targeting Vulnerable Members
Court documents reveal that Nadeau allegedly accessed members' credit card information stored in the club's point-of-sale system, using these details to make personal purchases totalling approximately $478,000. Many victims were elderly members who may not have regularly monitored their financial statements.
Detective Benjamin Foster of the Manchester Police Department described the scheme as "particularly brazen," noting that Nadeau allegedly used his position of trust to systematically exploit club members over nearly two years.
Discovery and Investigation
The fraud came to light when multiple club members reported suspicious charges on their accounts. An internal investigation revealed a pattern of unauthorised transactions that were traced back to Nadeau's access privileges.
Police executed a search warrant at Nadeau's residence, seizing financial records and electronic devices. Forensic analysis of these materials allegedly provided substantial evidence linking him to the fraudulent activities.
Club Response and Member Protection
Derryfield Country Club management has cooperated fully with authorities and implemented enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents. The club has offered support to affected members and is working with financial institutions to address the fraudulent charges.
In a statement to members, club management expressed "deep regret" over the incident and assured them that comprehensive measures have been taken to strengthen financial safeguards and monitoring systems.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Nadeau was released on $25,000 personal recognisance bail following his arraignment at Hillsborough County Superior Court North. He is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing on 28 June, where prosecutors will present their evidence.
If convicted on all charges, Nadeau could face substantial prison time and be ordered to pay full restitution to the victims. The case has drawn significant attention in New Hampshire's legal community due to the substantial amount involved and the vulnerability of the alleged victims.
This case serves as a stark reminder for financial institutions and membership organisations to maintain rigorous oversight of financial transactions and implement robust systems for detecting unauthorised activities.
