Sexual Misconduct Investigation at Phillips Exeter Academy Expands

EXETER, NH - The Exeter Police Department is expanding its investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against teachers and staff at Phillips Exeter Academy after receiving reports from victims and staffers at the prep school previously led by the husband of New Hampshire’s current governor.

Exeter Police Chief William Shupe stated on April 7, 2016, that the allegations that have already been confirmed as well as others that have been submitted are an active investigation at the department after the revelation that celebrated teacher, Rick Shubart, was allowed to resign in 2011 after an allegation of sexual misconduct that he reportedly admitted to.

Gov. Maggie Hassan’s husband, Tom Hassan, was the principal at the school during that time period. Shubart and his wife were also on the Democrat's steering committee a year after the allegation was raised and he resigned. When a second allegation against Shubart was revealed in 2015, he was barred from the campus, according to press reports.

Exeter investigators have opened “several separate investigations concerning sexual misconduct and abuse of students by at least two current or former faculty members of the school,” according to the department. Some of the reports, however, have been “secondhand information or rumors,” prompting Shupe and detectives to request that any students who may be victims of the misconduct at the school.

"The Exeter Police Department takes any allegations concerning the sexual abuse of children very seriously, and we want to assure the community that we are conducting a complete and impartial investigation into each claim," Shupe said. "We are very grateful to those who have come forward, and we are thankful for the support of the public as we conduct our investigations."

The department has added additional staff to both the patrol and detective divisions to assist in ensuring “an expedient and thorough investigation,” Shupe noted.

Anyone who has any information about misconduct or abuse; or who may be a victim; or who has any concerns or questions to contact Exeter Police Detective Sergeant Michael Munck directly at 603-773-6144 or via email at mmunck@exeternh.gov.