New Hampshire Department Of Corrections Initiated Investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against former employee

(Concord, NH) The New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NH-DOC) is issuing the following statement in light of the arrest of former Corrections Sergeant Douglas Tower on Thursday January 12, 2006:

In June 2005, several female inmates at the Shea Farm Halfway House reported that they had inappropriate sexual contact with Sergeant Tower. The NH-DOC contacted the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office and requested a criminal investigation into the allegations. The New Hampshire State Police conducted the investigation. Sergeant Tower resigned from the Department of Corrections on June 29, 2005 shortly after the investigation began.

NH-DOC worked with the Attorney General’s Victim Witness Services division to provide in-house and private counseling for the victims and both agencies continue to monitor their status. The DOC will continue to provide counseling and assistance to these victims.

Additionally, the NH-DOC asked the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) to review current policies and procedures for sexual misconduct. A team from the NIC conducted a four day site visit in late August. This team made several recommendations which could improve the Department’s ability to detect and prevent this unacceptable activity.

Commissioner Wrenn has stated that he has a zero tolerance for any type of criminal activity by corrections employees and that he and his staff will cooperate fully with other law enforcement agencies to prosecute those who are charged with such offenses.

Department of Corrections
Office of the Commissioner
PO Box 1806
Concord, NH 03302