The former Londonderry Town Planner and a retired Londonderry Police Captain have filed a sweeping civil lawsuit against the Town of Londonderry and former Town Manager Michael Malaguti, alleging a campaign of retaliation that included wrongful termination, “bad faith” criminal investigations, and indefinite bans from public buildings.
The complaint, filed in Rockingham Superior Court on Dec. 16, 2025, seeks damages for what plaintiffs the married couple Laura and Chris Gandia describe as egregious violations of their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
The suit comes just over a year after Malaguti’s resignation from the town in late 2024.
The plaintiffs in the case are: Chris Gandia, a retired Police Captain who served Londonderry for over 25-years, commanding the Airport Division and serving as a SWAT officer. He retired in February of 2022 with honors including two medals for bravery.
His wife, Laura Gandia, is the former Associate Town Planner, served the town for seven-years before her position was eliminated in Jan. 2023 during a controversial restructuring.
The Defendant, Michael Malaguti, is the former Town Manager (2022-24) is accused of orchestrating the retaliation. He is being sued in both his official and individual capacities.
Key Allegations
The complaint outlines a series of retaliatory measures allegedly taken after Laura Gandia voiced concerns about Malaguti’s “unlawful and unethical conduct” in late 2022.
The plaintiffs argue these actions were designed to punish them for protected speech.
Wrongful Termination: Laura Gandia alleges her position was eliminated not for efficiency, but as direct retaliation for her whistleblowing regarding the Town Manager’s conduct.
The couple was served “No Trespass” Orders when Laura was let go.
Both Gandias were issued indefinite orders barring them from the Town Hall, Leach Public Library, and Police Station-a place Chris Gandia had said he considered a “second home.”
The suit argues these orders provided “no notice…no hearing or opportunity to respond,” violating due process.
Criminal Investigation: The complaint accuses Malaguti of launching a “bad-faith” criminal probe against Chris Gandia for alleged wiretapping (recording a public official in public), despite knowing such recording is a constitutionally protected right.
Legal Context and Timeline
- Nov 2022: Laura Gandia begins voicing concerns regarding Malaguti’s conduct.
- Jan 2023: Laura Gandia’s position is eliminated. “No Trespass” orders are issued shortly after.
- May 2023: The Town Council rescinds the trespass orders after public outcry in a 4-1 vote.
- Dec 2024: Michael Malaguti resigns as Town Manager following friction with the Fire Department, after Fire Chief Bo Butler resigned to to budget disputes.
- Dec 16, 2025: Current Suit Filed. The Gandias file the complaint in Rockingham Superior Court.
Constitutional Claims
The suit specifically cites violations of the Public Employee Freedom of Expression Act (RSA 98-E) and Part One, Articles 8, 15, 22, and 32 of the New Hampshire Constitution, alongside federal First Amendment claims.
The Gandias have requested a trial by jury on all issues.
The Plaintiffs are demanding judgement against the defendants: For damages, including general, special, compensatory, enhanced compensatory and punitive damages, and for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs, in an amount to be determined at trial; and, For entry of an Order requiring the Town to publicly post and publish a retraction of the false and defamatory implications created by issuance and maintenance of the No Trespass Orders against Laura and Chris Gandia; and for such other, further, and different relief as the Court may deem just, equitable and proper under the circumstances.
There are 15 Counts cited in the Complaint filed with Rockingham Superior Court with a number of them stating:
“Town is liable for the conduct of Malaguti acting as a final policymaker for the Town, for his conduct that it ratified, and for its deliberate indifference to the deprivations of citizens’ constitutional rights that were certain to arise from the Town’s lack of policy and training.”
The Gandia’s are being represented by Kathleen C. Sullivan of Malloy & Sullivan Lawyers Professional Corporation, Hingham, Mass.