The Hillsborough County, New Hampshire sheriff has admitted that a court bailiff sold stolen Christmas wreaths in the lobby of the Superior Court in Manchester.

Sheriff James Hardy said the bailiff sold the wreaths after being asked to do so by an elderly woman, who told the bailiff she had made them.

But the New Hampshire Union Leader said it turns out the wreaths were among about 36 stolen from the Jacques Flower Shop in Goffstown, N.H. in December of last year.

Seven trusting courthouse employees bought wreaths at $10 each.

Hardy said it appears that the bailiff was only trying to help the elderly woman, and not fence stolen goods. He wouldn't identify the bailiff.

Flower shop manager Paul Godbout said the investigation was triggered after someone noticed the inconspicuous Jacques Flower Shop store price tags on the wreaths.

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