Police Confirm Nashua Pastor Faced Child Sexual Abuse Allegations

NASHUA, NH — Police in Nashua have confirmed statements made by a local church that one of its former pastors was under investigation for child sexual abuse allegations before taking his own life.

Jarrett Booker, 37, the pastor of students and worship at Nashua Baptist Church, took his own life on Nov. 27, according to the church. In a note online, signed by “elders and deacons,” church officials said they became “aware of a criminal investigation concerning credible allegations of sexual abuse against minors.” They said Booker “had been an integral part” of the church, serving for nearly a decade.

“These allegations,” the letter said, “prompted an internal review which revealed further evidence of misconduct. Regardless of the outcome of any criminal investigation, this behavior undeniably violated the moral and ethical standards we expect of our leaders and did not uphold the standards of our faith.”

On Nov. 25, Booker was fired, and the congregation was informed of the decision the next day. The church refrained, officials said, from getting into the details of the case to “maintain the integrity of the ongoing legal process.” Church officials, in the letter, informed the congregation Booker took his own life “refusing to face the consequences of his actions.” The decision, they said, “added immeasurably to the complexity and pain of the situation.”

Sgt. John Cinelli, the public information officer and communications division supervisor for the Nashua Police Department, confirmed Booker was being investigated for child sex offenses.

“We learned of the alleged crimes through an investigation by another police department,” he said. “The investigation is still ongoing even though the suspect is deceased.”

According to the church, Hollis police were also involved in the investigation. Other congregation members told Patch Brookline and Mont Vernon police were also involved in the investigation. Officials requested anyone who knew anything about the allegations to contact investigators.

“Our hearts are heavy for the victims, Jarrett’s family, and our congregation, many of whom knew and respected him for years,” they wrote. “We are dedicated to supporting everyone affected by Jarrett’s inexcusable actions, both within our church and beyond. We ask for your prayers as we navigate this devastating situation.”

Booker’s Facebook site said he attended Liberty University and was the former youth pastor of the Childrey Baptist Church in Nathalie, Virginia, for about a year before moving to New Hampshire.

According to Booker’s obituary, he was adopted at 18 months. He had friends and family in New Hampshire and Virginia. A memorial service was held on Saturday.

A clerk for the superior courts in New Hampshire reported no known civil or criminal allegations, arrests, or summonses against Booker in the state.

A free, 24/7, confidential service can provide people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress or those around them with support, information, and local resources. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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