New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
July 28, 2021

Contact:
Kate Giaquinto, Director of Communications
kate.giaquinto@doj.nh.gov | 603-573-6103

Timothy Sullivan, Senior Assistant Attorney General
Timothy.sullivan@doj.nh.gov | 603-271-3671

Joseph Cherniske, Assistant Attorney General
Joseph.A.Cherniske@doj.nh.gov | 603-271-3671

10 Individuals Indicted For Allegations of Abuse at the Youth Development Center

Concord, NH - New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella announces that 10 individuals have been indicted by the Hillsborough County Grand Jury as a result of the ongoing investigation into the Youth Development Center (YDC), and Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC). The charges are alleged to have occurred between 1994-2007.

The following individuals were indicted on July 9, 2021:

Bradley Asbury, age 66, Dunbarton, NH

  • 2 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault (accomplice)
  • The charges involve allegations by one former resident of the YDC occurring between 1997-1998

    Jeffrey Buskey, age 54, Quincy, MA
  • 25 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault
  • The charges involve allegations by four former residents of the YDC occurring between 1996-1999

Frank Davis, age 79, Contoocook, NH

  • 1 count of aggravated felonious sexual assault
  • 5 counts of sexual assault (misdemeanors)
  • The charges involve allegations by two former residents of the YDC occurring between 1996-1997

Stephen Murphy, age 55, Danvers, MA

  • 15 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault
  • The charges involve allegations by four former residents of the YDC occurring between 1997-1999

Lucien Poulette, age 65, Auburn, NH

  • 11 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault
  • 12 counts of felonious sexual assault
  • The charges involve allegations by seven former residents of the YDC occurring between 1994-2005.

Gordon Thomas Searles, age 65, Weare, NH

  • 3 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault
  • The charges involve allegations by one former resident of the YDC occurring between 1995-1998

James Woodlock, age 56, Manchester, NH

  • 6 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault (accomplice)
  • The charges involve allegations by three former residents of the YDC occurring between 1997-1999

Jonathan Brand, age 56, Concord, NH

  • 2 counts of felonious sexual assault
  • The charges involve allegations by one former resident of the SYSC occurring between March 13 and May 30, 2007

Trevor Middleton, age 52, Belmont, NH

  • 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 1999 and 2001

    Stanley Watson, age 52, Allenstown, NH
  • 3 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault
  • The charges involve allegations by two former residents of the YDC occurring between 1997-1999

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

The Task Force will continue its mission to investigate child abuse allegations occurring at YDC/SYSC. This investigation remains active and ongoing.

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.

New Hampshire Department of Justice
1 Granite Place South | Concord, NH | 03301
Telephone: 603-271-3658