NH Town Official's Rape Trial Goes Forward

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- A New Hampshire city planner charged with raping a woman whose Craigslist ad sought a "fresh start in New England" has waived his probable cause hearing and remains in custody.

Salem Planning Board member Jeffrey Gray appeared briefly in Salem District Court on Tuesday where the case was transferred to Rockingham Superior Court.

The 48-year-old Gray is charged with kidnapping, rape, and other felonies for allegedly holding a New York woman captive in his Windham home for three days in early March. Police say Gray had answered the 34-year-old woman's ad seeking housing and a "fresh start in New England" and that is what brought the woman to his door.

His lawyer says Gray is refusing the Salem Planning Board's request that he resign, maintaining he has done nothing wrong.

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