LACONIA — Several instances of white-collar crime and related thefts have resulted in a number of indictments issued by a Belknap County grand jury.

A grand jury that met April 10 returned a number of indictments against country residents alleging fraud, theft and related crimes.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt but rather an indication that an independent jury has voted, after hearing from police, that sufficient evidence exists to warrant a Superior Court trial.

Bethany M. Bacon, 28, of 61B Gilford Ave., Laconia, was indicted on a Class A felony charge of welfare fraud. The indictment alleges that between June 2, 2006, and Jan. 31, 2008, she obtained more than $1,000 in benefits to which she was not entitled by failing to report a man was residing in her household.

Audrey Amaro, 30, 27 Fenton Ave., Laconia, was indicted on a Class A felony charge of theft by unauthorized taking, a 40 inch Sony television belonging to Rent A Center.

Amara was also indicted on a Class B felony charge of theft by unauthorized taking, an E-Box 360 gaming system and a 30 inch Sony television, also alleged taken from Rent A Center.

Stefan Gauthier, 22, was indicted on a Class B felony charge of shoplifting a television valued at more than $500 from the Tilton Wal-Mart without paying for it in October 2007.

William Sheerin, 39, who is now being held at the State Prison in Concord was indicted on a Class B felony charge of forging a withdrawal slip for a checking/money market account belonging to another man in Laconia in May 2007.

Eric Trottier, 31, of 182 Weirs Road, Gilford, was indicted on a Class A felony charge of issuing a bad check for $6,768.56 to Gilford Home Center in October 2007.

Tracey Smith, 35, 492 Pine St., second floor, Manchester, was indicted on a Class B felony charge of theft by unauthorized taking, more than $500 belonging to the Dunkin Donuts franchise in Belmont.

Jason Sabin, 24, 613 Messer St., Apt. 16, Laconia, was indicted on a Class A felony charge of receiving stolen property, jewelry including several rings, in Tilton in November 2007.

Paul G. Richards, 32, who is now being held at the Belknap County Jail, was indicted on a Class A felony charge of burglary for allegedly breaking into a McGrath Street home in Laconia to commit theft in February 2008.

Richards was also indicted on a Class A felony charge of theft by unauthorized taking a 2003 Toyota Corolla valued at more than $6,000 from the same alleged victim.

The grand jury also returned a Class A felony charge of armed robbery against Richards alleging that he demanded and obtained money from a woman by physical force by pointing a handgun at her and saying, "Give me your money." Richards is also alleged to have taken a substantial step toward kidnapping the robbery victim. The grand jury also indicted him on a Class B felony charges of attempted kidnapping and reckless conduct against him. The latter indictment alleges that Richards drove a motor vehicle at a Laconia Police Officer prompting the officer to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.

Gary Michaud, 39, formerly of 18 Red Gate Lane, #25, Meredith, was indicted on a Class B felony charge of criminal mischief for causing more than $1,000 in damage to an automated teller machine belonging to Meredith Village Savings Bank in February.

John H. Longo, 19, 989 Route 140, Gilmanton, was indicted on a Class A felony charge of receiving stolen property a 45 caliber firearm in Tilton in April 2007.

Longo was also indicted on a Class A felony charge of conspiracy to commit theft by unauthorized taking, for alleging conspiring with another person to facilitate a theft by arranging for the sale of three handguns.

Laurie A. Lindstrom, 32, 492 Pine St., second floor, Manchester, was indicted on a Class A felony charge of theft by unauthorized taking more than $1,000 from the Dunkin Donuts franchise in Belmont between Dec. 1, 2006, and Jan. 1, 2008.

Jamie E. Lavoie, 38, last known address 4 Crickett Hill Road, Bedford, was indicted on a Class B felony charge of theft by unauthorized taking, $299.78 of infant formula from Shaw's in Belmont in February. The indictment states that Lavoie has been previously convicted of theft-related offenses in two other jurisdictions elsewhere in the state.

Donald Labroad, 40, last known address 50 River St., Franklin, was indicted on a Class B felony charge of fraudulent use of a credit card for alleging obtaining more than $500 in goods from Home Depot by illegally using a Tilton woman's credit card in September 2007.

William E. Fort II, 25, 41 Depot St., Belmont, was indicted on a Class B felony charge of burglary for breaking into a neighboring home in February to commit theft.

Wendy Cantin, 28, 1234 Enclave Circle, #205, Arlington, Texas, was indicted on a Class B felony charge of fraudulent use of a credit card for obtaining more than $500 worth of items on another woman's credit card in Tilton in January 2008.