Psychology Professors At Dartmouth Accused Of Sexual Misconduct

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is opening a joint investigation into three Dartmouth professors that have been accused of sexual misconduct at the school. The investigation began after The Dartmouth, the college’s newspaper, inquired to an official at the school about the professors after posters began appearing on campus asking where they were. Todd Heatherton, Bill Kelley, and Paul Whalen, all psychology and brain sciences professors, are on paid leave, according to the school.

The school refused to comment on specifics but did confirm that there was an investigation – “that protects the rights of all parties and promotes the safety of our campus community” – after “allegations of serious misconduct” were raised at the school.

After a dialogue with the college, Jane Young, an associate attorney general with the NH AG’s Office, stated in a press release that the NH AG had learned that the misconduct allegations were sexual in nature and a joint investigation would be conducted into the allegations. Investigators also include the New Hampshire State Police, the Grafton County Attorney’s Office, the Grafton County Sheriff’s Office, and Hanover Police.

“Dartmouth College has pledged to work with this investigation to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of their community,” AG Gordon MacDonald added in the press release.

Anyone with information about these allegations is urged to contact Trooper Catherine Shackford of the New Hampshire State Police at 603-419-8014 or catherine.shackford@dos.nh.gov, or Investigator Scott Gilbert, of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office at 603-931-9570 or scott.gilbert@doj.nh.gov.

The NH AG’s Office also noted that free and confidential services are available for anyone impacted by sexual violence through the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s statewide 24-hour hotline at 800-277-5570 or the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s statewide 24-hour hotline at 800-489-7273. In addition, free and confidential services for victims of domestic and sexual violence in the Upper Valley are also available locally through WISE and its 24-hour crisis line at 866-348-WISE (9473). A person does not need to be in immediate crisis to call a hotline.

“Because this is now a criminal investigation, we are constrained in providing further details at this time,” MacDonald said. “We will provide further information when we can do so, consistent with our obligation to ensure the integrity of the investigation. At this time, we have no basis to conclude that there is a threat to the general public.”

Image via Tony Schinella, Patch staff