Crime & Safety

NH Boy Scout Leader Charged with Molestation

Former Boy Scout leader Eugene Perrault was arrested this week on charges he sexually abused a scout in Newfields.

NEWFIELDS, NH — A former Boy Scout leader in Newfields was arrested this week on charges he sexually abused a boy under the age of 13.

Police said Eugene Perrault, 69, who has recently served as the town's health officer, was charged with aggravated sex assault, according to WMUR. Police said the assault happened around 1996 and added there may be more victims.

Perrault was involved with the Boy Scouts up until 2013, officials with the organization said.

Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Donald Shepard, CEO of the Daniel Webster Council of the Boy Scouts of America, released this statement to Patch:

The behavior included in these allegations is abhorrent and runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. Though this individual has not been involved in our organization since 2013, upon learning of these reports we took immediate action to preclude him from any further participation in our programs and are cooperating fully with local law enforcement.”
The safety of our youth members is our top priority. We seek to prevent child abuse through a comprehensive program of education on the subject, the chartered organization leader selection process, criminal background and other checks, policies and procedures to serve as barriers to abuse and the prompt mandatory reporting of any allegation or suspicion of abuse.

Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Photo: Shutterstock

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.