Governor Chris Sununu Statement Following Arrests Made as a Result of the Investigation at the Youth Development Center

Concord, NH — Today, following the announcement by the New Hampshire Department of Justice of four additional arrests made by New Hampshire State Police as a result of the ongoing investigation into the Youth Development Center, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement:

“When my Administration launched this investigation two years ago, we pledged to leave no stone unturned to ensure justice was served,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “Today’s arrests make clear that this Administration is committed to holding these perpetrators accountable for their detestable actions. This is not over and we will continue to investigate these horrific allegations.”

A total of eleven individuals have been arrested as a result of the ongoing investigation.

***A copy of the Department of Justice's press release can be found below***

Concord, NH - New Hampshire Deputy Attorney General Jane E. Young and State Police Colonel Nathan Noyes announce four additional arrests were made on April 21, 2021, by New Hampshire State Police as a result of the ongoing investigation into the Youth Development Center (YDC), bringing the total number of individuals arrested thus far to eleven. The charges are alleged to have occurred between 1997-2007.
The following individuals were arrested:

Jonathan Brand, age 56, Concord, N.H.

• 2 counts of felonious sexual assault
• This charge involves allegations by one former resident of the Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC) occurring between March 13, 2007 and May 30, 2007
• Held without bail; arraignment expected to occur April 22, 2021, 9:00 am at Manchester Circuit Court

Victor Malavet, age 58, Gilford, N.H.

• 7 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault
• The charges involve allegations by one former resident of the Youth Detention Services Unit (YDSU) in Concord, N.H. occurring between June 2001 and November 2001
• Held without bail; arraignment expected to occur April 22, 2021,11:00 am, at Concord Circuit Court

Trevor Middleton, age 52, Belmont, N.H.

• 1 count of aggravated felonious sexual assault
• 1 count of felonious sexual assault
• The charges involve allegations by one former resident of the YDC occurring between May 10, 1999 and March 16, 2001
• Held without bail; arraignment expected to occur April 22, 2021, 9:00 am, at Manchester Circuit Court

Stanley Watson, age 52, Allenstown, N.H.

• 3 counts aggravated felonious sexual assault
• The charges involve allegations by two former residents of the YDC occurring between 1997-1999
• Held without bail; arraignment expected to occur April 22, 2021, 9:00 am, at Manchester Circuit Court

The investigation into child abuse allegations occurring at YDC and YDSU remains active and ongoing. The aforementioned arrests do not represent the culmination of the investigation but are merely the next step forward in this comprehensive and multi-faceted investigation.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Any person with information regarding criminal conduct at the YDC is urged to contact the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Task Force hotline at 271-4000.

Anyone who was physically or sexually assaulted or abused at the YDC is encouraged to contact their local crisis center.  Crisis center advocates are available across New Hampshire to provide free and confidential support to anyone impacted by sexual violence.  Crisis center services are also available to anyone who has experienced or witnessed abuse, or who is looking to find ways to support someone who has.  Crisis centers can provide individual support, support groups, assistance reporting abuse, help understanding options and the legal system, court and hospital accompaniment, housing assistance, and referrals for local services including mental health and substance abuse services.  To speak with an advocate, please call the statewide domestic violence hotline at 1-866-644-3574 or the statewide sexual assault hotline at 1-800-277-5570 or find the crisis center nearest you at https://www.nhcadsv.org/member-programs.html.