A Belknap County jury concluded on Monday that Brian Fortier, one of the owners of West Alton Marina, sexually assaulted a 16-year-old who was under his employ.

The trial, which took place in Superior Court, lasted for four days. The jury found Fortier, 52, guilty of both felonious sexual assault and aggravated felonious sexual assault. The aggravated charge was brought because Fortier was in a position of authority over the victim, and because the victim was a juvenile.

The complaint for which Fortier was convicted stated Fortier had engaged in oral sex with his victim in the spring of 2021, while the two were working together at the marina.

The jury found Fortier not guilty of two counts of witness tampering. Those charges alleged Fortier pressured the victim, via text messages, to stay quiet about the assault.

The sentence for aggravated felonious sexual assault could be as much as 20 years in state prison, while the felonious sexual assault conviction is up to seven years.

The Alton Police Department, and Det. Adam Painchaud specifically, led the investigation. New Hampshire State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided assistance. The prosecution was led by Belknap County Attorney Andrew Livernois.

“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that those people who abuse their power and authority to take advantage of children sexually will be held accountable and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Livernois said in a news release. “I am pleased that the jury, after listening to all of the evidence in this case and weighing it carefully, found the young victim’s testimony credible, and returned a guilty verdict.”

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