New Hampshire Reckons with Dark Past: Ex-Counselor's Sex Assault Trial Opens Amidst Sweeping Abuse Scandal

In a solemn continuation of New Hampshire’s painful reckoning with its past, the criminal trial of Jeffrey Buskey, a former youth counselor, commenced on September 14, 2026. Buskey stands accused of sexually assaulting four boys during the late 1990s at the infamous Youth Development Center in Manchester, N.H., a facility now known as the Sununu Youth Services Center. This trial is but one chapter in a sprawling, deeply disturbing narrative of alleged abuse that has haunted the institution for decades, casting a long shadow over the lives of countless young people who passed through its doors.

One of the central figures in this latest proceeding is David Meehan, who was just 14 years old when he arrived at the center in 1995. Meehan's courage in coming forward has been pivotal; he previously testified in a civil trial held in May 2024, which resulted in a jury awarding him a staggering $38 million. It was a moment that offered a glimpse of justice, though the state is currently disputing that verdict, seeking to drastically reduce the amount. His testimony, undoubtedly heart-wrenching, sheds light on the specific allegations against Buskey, who resided in Litchfield, N.H., at the time of his 2019 arrest alongside another former worker, sparking the full-scale criminal investigation we see unfolding today.

Indeed, the scope of the alleged systemic abuse at the Youth Development Center is almost unfathomable. From 1963 to 2018, over 1,100 lawsuits have been filed, painting a harrowing picture of misconduct and neglect. The criminal investigation, spearheaded by the New Hampshire attorney general’s office, has systematically pursued allegations against numerous former staff members, bringing a degree of public accountability that was tragically absent for far too long. We’ve seen a complex web of legal proceedings, with varying outcomes for those accused.

Consider the varied fates of other individuals implicated: Jonathan Brand was acquitted, while Victor Malavet's case resulted in a deadlocked jury and a mistrial. Trevor Middleton saw charges dropped, and Frank Davis was declared incompetent to stand trial. Sadly, Gordon Searles passed away awaiting trial, never facing justice. James Woodlock, for his part, was found guilty of being an accomplice to sexual assault in September 2026, with his sentencing to follow in Hillsborough County Superior Court. Even more recently, a former Easter Seals staff member, Lisa Tanguay, has been charged with multiple counts, including aggravated felonious sexual assault, further extending the reach of this grim inquiry. These cases, each with its own specific details and emotional weight, collectively underscore the deep-seated issues that plagued the facility.

The trial of Jeffrey Buskey, taking place in Manchester's Hillsborough County Superior Court, represents another critical step in a long, arduous journey toward justice and healing for the many survivors. It’s a powerful reminder that while years may pass, the echoes of such trauma persist, and the pursuit of accountability, however belated, remains absolutely essential. The community, the state, and most importantly, the victims, continue to seek closure and recognition of the immense harm inflicted within those walls.