The real estate developer, whose limited experience did not deter the state from believing she could transform 220 acres in Laconia into a massive housing, medical, and business complex , was sentenced Wednesday to 2 1/2 years in federal prison for wire fraud.

Robynne Alexander, 64, pleaded guilty to defrauding nearly two dozen investors of $3 million by promising them shares in her various real estate developments. One of those developments was “Legacy at Laconia,” a project that never got off the ground, after Alexander failed to pay the state the $21.5 million she offered for the former Laconia State School property.

Alexander faced 4 1/2 years in prison. She and a federal prosecutor asked the court to shorten that sentence.

Alexander hoped to spend a year in prison and three yea

See Full Page