New Hampshire Fugitive, Convicted Stalker, Wanted for Probation Violation

Leland Petersen has a history of stalking, domestic violence, and drug charges, and is now accused of absconding from probation supervision.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New Hampshire Department of Corrections is searching for Leland J. Petersen, a 39-year-old man with a history of stalking, domestic violence, and drug charges, who is now wanted for absconding from probation supervision. Petersen has several distinctive tattoos and was last believed to be homeless in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of monitoring repeat offenders on probation, especially those with a history of violent and stalking behavior. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing recidivism and protecting victims of domestic violence.

The details

Petersen was previously convicted of stalking, domestic assault, and violation of a protective order. He has a long criminal record, including charges of felony criminal mischief, strangulation, threat, false imprisonment, and drug possession. Petersen was most recently accused of violating his probation on stalking charges and was issued a warrant for his arrest on January 27, 2026.

  • In 2008, Petersen was charged with felony criminal mischief in Manchester.
  • In October 2020, Petersen was charged with strangulation, threat, domestic violence, false imprisonment, stalking, and obstruction charges in Manchester.
  • In June 2021, Petersen pleaded guilty to stalking-domestic violence and second-degree assault-domestic violence-strangulation charges and received a suspended prison sentence.
  • In October and December 2022, Petersen was accused of stalking-domestic violence and pleaded guilty in April 2023, receiving additional suspended prison sentences.
  • On January 12, 2026, Petersen pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge in Merrimack and received a deferred jail sentence.

The players

Leland J. Petersen

A 39-year-old man with a history of stalking, domestic violence, and drug charges who is now wanted by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections for absconding from probation supervision.

New Hampshire Department of Corrections

The state agency that is searching for Leland Petersen and has issued a warrant for his arrest.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that the public is advised to contact if they have information on Petersen's whereabouts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of monitoring repeat offenders on probation, especially those with a history of violent and stalking behavior. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing recidivism and protecting victims of domestic violence.