The New Hampshire attorney general’s office has opened a criminal investigation into the work of Strafford Country Sheriff Mark Brave.

The investigation began in early June, according to a letter sent by the attorney general’s office to Brave.

In the letter, which was obtained by News 9 Investigates, investigators say that they will look into alleged violations, including theft, falsification in official matters and abuse of office.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Dan Jimenez directed Brave to stay any internal investigation related to the matter until the conclusion of the investigation being conducted by the attorney general’s office, the letter said.

"I'm fully cooperating with them," Brave said. "My attorneys are fully cooperating with them. They talk weekly right now just to make sure we have whatever information they need, any follow-up. The [Attorney Generals] are doing their job. This is what they're there for. I know they do a thorough job, and at the end of that, I'll be exonerated."

Although the attorney general's office did not share the specifics of this investigation,

Brave said that investigators allege he inappropriately used county funds to go on private trips, as well as used the money to pay for an employee's housing within the county — a staffer that he said they alleged that he was having an affair with.

Brave was elected in 2020 as New Hampshire's first Black county sheriff and reelected last year. He said he believes the investigation was prompted by political motivations in the county.

"My beef is not what the Attorney General's office, they're doing their job," he said. "My issue is with the way this county has been operating for decades, and it needs to change."

Tom Velardi, the county attorney, said the county asked Brave to take a leave of absence while the investigation is underway, but he refused.

Because the investigation is ongoing, Velardi said he can't make further comment, but he said in part that the "commissioners continue to monitor the activities of the sheriff's office to ensure that office is operating."

The attorney general's office said it would have no further comment because it's an ongoing investigation.