Democrat Arrested For Assault Seeks Hudson, Pelham NH Rep Seat

HUDSON, NH — A Democrat running for state representative, hoping to secure one of 11 seats to represent Hudson and Pelham at the Statehouse next year, was involved in a domestic violence incident last year that led to charges with all but one charge nolle prossed, according to court documents.

Brett Gagnon, 34, was accused of assaulting a woman in January 2019 during an incident at his home on Wason Road during an argument about a child.

According to a police report, the victim in the case reported to the lobby of the police department in Hudson at 3 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2019, to report that she was assaulted. She claimed she and Gagnon got into an argument due to a child crying and the level of care Gagnon was providing due to medical and other issues.

Around 10 that morning, she said, Gagnon put the child down for a nap and the child woke up. They then began arguing with each other about the child. Gagnon decided to take the child for a drive to try and get her to sleep but the victim disagreed with the decision. They began arguing more with the victim reaching for the child but Gagnon kept her away and then, "grabbed her hand and twisted it in a controlling manner, causing her pain."

The victim "indicated that it felt like he was going to break her wrist," the report said.

The victim stated Gagnon let her go and she attempted to reach for the child again. But Gagnon began "stiff arming her, grabbed her left chest leaving scratches, and ripping her sweater," the officer wrote. She then broke away, bit him, and threatened to call 911. Gagnon released the child and left the home, the report stated. In a written statement, the victim also said Gagnon "tripped her" during the altercation while she was holding the baby and that he "open-handedly hit her in the nose" at some point during the altercation.

The officer took pictures of the victims injuries and the sweater, and gave her other information.

About three and half hours later, Gagnon was interviewed by police and "confirmed most of the story with little variation stating that he felt it was mutual combat," the report said. After some back and forth about the incident and taking pictures of his injuries, Gagnon was deemed the aggressor in the incident and was arrested on three counts of domestic violence-simple assault and a single count of reckless conduct, with police noting in the report that he was "suspected of using: alcohol" at the time of the assault.

According to a case summary document, Gagnon offered no pleas for the charges in March 2019. During a disposition hearing, three of the charges were nolle prossed. One simple assault charge was placed on file without finding for two years pending good behavior. Gagnon is also not possess a deadly weapon, required to attend a batter's program, and to refrain from using drugs or alcohol during the two years. Another hearing is slated for March 2021.

In an email, Gagnon said the incident led him to run for state representative because he did not feel he was treated fairly.

"I can tell you, without a doubt, the event that occurred which led to my arrest and subsequent continuance is the very reason that I have chosen to run for a seat," he wrote. "I do not agree with the accusations that lead me to be arrested. I have maintained my innocence as I was unfairly accused of something I did not do."

Gagnon said he was assaulted during the encounter and was defending the child against the victim who was the violent party. He also stated the victim sought to "'teach me a lesson' by going to the police." Gagnon added there was "a plethora of evidence to demonstrate" that she was the "actual aggressor in our relationship."

Gagnon, who is also a member of the town's conservation commission, also claimed the victim set out to destroy him and "smear" his name.

"Ultimately, I am running for a seat to advocate other people, man or woman, that have suffered from domestic violence and been unfairly accused, regardless of whether it is a male or female victim," he said. "As a father, I also want to advocate family law policies that treat both parents equally, so that no parent has to suffer from alienation from their child as I have. I hope you have it in your heart to understand the value that my voice could bring to our state."

The victim has moved out of state, according to her Facebook profile.

Gagnon, who is running on the motto, "protecting New Hampshire," has made father's rights a major plank in his campaign.

However, Amanda Grady Sexton, the director of public affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, while not commenting on the specifics of the Gagnon case, raised concern about such people being elected as lawmakers — since they could play a role in weakening New Hampshire laws against abusers.

"In recent years there have been numerous candidates and elected officials who have been charged and convicted of domestic violence," she said. "Too many people with convictions and arrests are running for office with the intent of passing bills to weaken the very laws that were used to hold them accountable for their abuse against their partners and children."

Ray Buckley, the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, upon hearing the information about Gagnon's arrest, was more direct — he urged voters in Pelham and Hudson "to vote for any one of the other 10 qualified Democrats on their ballot." He added that if Gagnon wins a seat Tuesday, the party would call for his immediate resignation from the Legislature.

"We have been completely clear: there is no place in the New Hampshire Democratic Party nor in the Statehouse for perpetrators of violence against women nor for those who are facing charges for these crimes," Buckley said.

In a post on Facebook from late August, Gagnon wrote about a wine tasting he attended, stating: "Just had another pleasant experience at #incredibrew sampling some awesome wines. As a vintner myself, I really appreciate unique local business like this, I would love to see more business like this for Hudson and Pelham."

When asked whether or not this violated his agreement with the Nashua District Court, Gagnon did not respond — but he or someone else with access to his campaign Facebook site, edited out "sampling some awesome wines" from the post.

Steve Shurtleff, the speaker of the House, who will be leading Gagnon and under representatives, presuming he wins and Democrats have a majority, did not offer comment about Gagnon's candidacy.

The Hudson Police Department refused to release Gagnon's booking photo before press time.

Got a news tip? Send it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube channel. Follow the New Hampshire Patch Politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.