New Hampshire man faces Maine charges

RYE, N.H. — A Rye man accused of running a gameboard advertising scam in New Hampshire and Massachusetts now faces charges in Maine.

Mark Heirtzler was arrested Monday as a fugitive of justice from Maine. He is charged with aggravated theft by deception for reportedly taking about $3,600 from Portland businesses for an Old Port Monopoly game that he did not produce.

Police say Heirtzler convinced 10 Portland merchants to buy advertising on a “townopoly” game that featured local businesses. The ads cover the costs of producing the games. These games are a popular way for towns to promote local businesses and also raise money for local charities.

“Townopoly” games are produced by several companies throughout the country. Heirtzler is accused of taking advertising money and never producing a single game in Portland.

Heirtzler had no comment on the Maine charges, but his attorney, Richard Foley, said he is suspicious that so many businesses and police are coming forward now.

“Everybody is getting a piece of the action,” he said.

He also faces similar charges in North Hampton, where he was out on $10,000 personal recognizance bail for reportedly taking $1,400 from three businesses in that community. And last week, authorities from Carroll, Rockingham and Strafford counties held a meeting to review their investigations of complaints against Heirtzler.

Rockingham County Attorney Bill Hart Jr. said the amount of money that Heirtzler allegedly took has risen to the “six-figure” range.

Heirtzler was arrested and arraigned in Portsmouth District Court on Monday, where he agreed to be moved to Maine to face the charges.