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New Hampshire Motor Speedway general manager pleads guilty to lewdness charge

Jerry Gappens

Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, entered a plea of guilty to a class B misdemeanor count of lewdness in Manchester, N.H., Circuit Court, his lawyer confirmed Thursday.

Gappens’ guilty plea stems from a Jan. 21 incident in Manchester when police officers observed him engaging in lewd conduct while they were a part of a prostitution detail. The court imposed a $1,200 fine with $700 of the fine suspended for a period of one year.

Gappens and 19-year-old female Kendra Johnson were allegedly engaged in a sex act in Gappens’ SUV in the rear parking lot of a Manchester nursing home, police said.

Gappens issued a statement Thursday, saying:

“I did not act according to the standards that I have as a person and as a husband. I sincerely apologize to my wife and family for the hurt and public embarrassment caused by my uncharacteristic behavior. I also apologize to my New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports family, friends and colleagues.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and I will continue to make amends. In moving forward, I would hope people -- especially those who know me -- will look at my overall conduct and contributions, and not judge me on this isolated incident.”

Speedway Motorsports Inc., which owns New Hampshire Motor Speedway, issued a statement Thursday:

“Jerry Gappens was suspended following his January arrest. While the legal process ran its course, the company placed several requirements on Mr. Gappens in order for him to return to his duties. As this is a personnel matter, the company will not discuss these conditions. The company is satisfied with Mr. Gappens’ progress to date and he will return as general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.”

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