10 former inmates of Concord transitional housing unit accuse employee of abuse
10 former inmates of Concord transitional housing unit accuse employee of abuse WMUR Manchester
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The New Hampshire Department of Corrections Under Scrutiny for Allegations of Physical and Sexual Abuse
The New Hampshire Department of Corrections is currently facing scrutiny after multiple women filed a lawsuit alleging physical and sexual abuse committed by an employee at the Shea Farm transitional housing unit in Concord. The allegations in the lawsuit date back several years.
Allegations of Abuse and Inadequate Response
- The 10 plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that they were assaulted and harassed by an employee at the Shea Farm transitional housing unit.
- Among the allegations are instances where the employee inappropriately touched the accusers during permitted physical searches.
- Many of the plaintiffs attempted to report the abuse, but their allegations were not addressed in a timely manner.
Failure to Address a Pervasive Issue
According to Brittany LeTourneau, the attorney representing the plaintiffs from Nicholson Law Firm, the women have shared that the abuse was a pervasive and known issue at Shea Farm for many years. However, the Department of Corrections failed to address the problem during that time period.
Department of Corrections’ Response
- The accused employee is still working for the Department of Corrections, but officials have refrained from making direct comments on the lawsuit.
- The department has emphasized its zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse, battery, and assault.
- All employees undergo yearly training on inappropriate sexual conduct.
The attorney general’s office has stated that they are currently reviewing the complaints and will respond appropriately in due course. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed.
Source: wmur.com
