Former child care worker, ex-NH state rep indicted on federal child sexual exploitation charges
Former child care worker, ex-NH state rep indicted on federal child sexual exploitation charges Lowell Sun
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Former Child Care Worker and Ex-Lawmaker Indicted for Alleged Sexual Exploitation of Children
A former child care worker and a past New Hampshire lawmaker were both indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday in connection with the alleged sexual exploitation of children at a Tyngsboro day care.
Indictments and Charges
- Lindsay Groves, a former employee of Creative Minds Early Learning Center, and Stacie Marie Laughton, who served as a New Hampshire state representative, were both indicted on three counts of sexual exploitation of children.
- Groves is additionally charged with one count of distribution of child pornography.
Laughton, 39, of Nashua, N.H., who was the first openly transgender lawmaker in the state, appeared in federal court in Boston on Friday, where she pleaded not guilty to each of the three counts filed against her.
During Laughton’s appearance, her attorney, Jessica Hedges, told Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell that her client would consent to voluntary detention. Cabell agreed to the detention.
Laughton told Cabell, “Your honor, I am indigent,” and requested a court-appointed attorney. Cabell said the financial affidavit allows for one, and so appointed Hedges and attorney Hannah Taylor.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy’s office, Groves, 38, of Hudson, N.H., will appear in federal court for her arraignment at a later date. In the meantime, she also remains in custody.
Allegations and Investigation
- A criminal complaint filed in federal court states that between May 2022 and June 2023, Groves allegedly took photographs of nude children at the Creative Minds day care and then sent the images to Laughton through text messages.
- Groves allegedly used bathroom breaks for the children, including routine diaper changes, to take the pornographic photographs of the children.
- A preliminary investigation allegedly uncovered more than 10,000 text messages between Laughton and Groves that included discussions about, and the transfer of, explicit photographs that Groves had taken of children at the day care.
- The photographs include at least four sexually explicit images of three 3-year-old children, as well as graphic descriptions of sex with each other and the children.
- In one alleged text exchange, Groves and Laughton talk about their wishes to have sexual contact with children at the day care, and the possibility of getting caught.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The conduct alleged in this case is a clear violation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The SDGs aim to promote the well-being and protection of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations such as children.
Legal Consequences
The charge of sexual exploitation of children includes a potential sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, while distribution of child pornography includes a possible prison sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years.
Call for Public Assistance
Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information regarding the case are asked to call 617-748-3274.
Cooperation with Authorities
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy’s office, Creative Minds has cooperated with authorities during the course of the investigation.
Boston Herald reporter Flint McColgan contributed to this report.
Follow Aaron Curtis on Twitter @aselahcurtis
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | – Not mentioned or implied in the article |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation | – Sexual exploitation of children at the day care |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Not mentioned or implied in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Sexual exploitation of children at the day care |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 5 as it addresses the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual exploitation. The article mentions the sexual exploitation of children at the day care, which falls under this SDG. Additionally, SDG 16 is relevant as it aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are Target 5.2, which focuses on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual exploitation, and Target 16.2, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Sexual exploitation of children at the day care
The article mentions the sexual exploitation of children at the day care, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards the identified targets. This indicator reflects the presence of violence and exploitation against children, which is a violation of their rights and a barrier to achieving gender equality and a just society.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | – Not mentioned or implied in the article |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation | – Sexual exploitation of children at the day care |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Not mentioned or implied in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Sexual exploitation of children at the day care |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: lowellsun.com
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