Woman Arrested for Beating Children with a Broom Stick: Cops

CONCORD, NH — A local woman was arrested last month after a multi-week investigation into alleged child abuse against two children under 13, according to police. Joyce Chance, 32, of Concord, was arrested on April 24, 2017, and charged with two counts of felony second-degree assault. According to police, the investigation into the allegations began on March 24, after Broken Ground Elementary School officials contacted authorities because they were concerned about “physical, mental and emotional abuse of two siblings under the age of 13,” according to Lt. Sean Ford, the commander of the criminal investigations division for the Concord Police Department.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Concord Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

“Evidence was gathered that supported that the children were being physically abused and exposed to a hazardous living environment,” Ford alleged, based on the investigation by police and the New Hampshire Department of Children, Youth Families. “In at least one incident, the children were physically beaten with a broom stick until the stick broke. The children have been removed from the care of Ms. Chance and are in a safe location where their physical and emotional needs can be addressed.”

Ford said that after detectives and officials investigated the incidents, she was arrested. He added that more charges are possible since the investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information about this case is being asked to call Ford at 603-225-8600 or the Concord Regional Crimeline at 603-226-3100.