The community center in Northfield where police say a maintenance supervisor molested two young girls is not required to be a licensed child-care facility.
State law exempts child-care and recreation programs run by municipalities from licensing and inspections. But facilities can still choose to be inspected.
A review of the state’s records revealed there was no information about the staff or safety conditions at the Pines Community Center, which is operated by the Tilton-Northfield Recreation Council and runs on municipal appropriations and program fees.
Still, being licensed or inspected by the Department of Health and Human Services’s Child Care Licensing Unit might not have prevented any of the alleged crimes. Robert Magoon, a 73-year-old former police officer charged with three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, had no criminal background.
Other facilities exempt from state licensing requirements include those that host dance, athletic or other activity instruction programs. Also exempt are programs offered in conjunction with religious services, and private homes where three or fewer children not belonging to the provider are looked after.
“Some may choose to be licensed anyway,” said HHS spokesman Jake Leon.
A search of local municipal recreation facilities shows that in the capital region the Bessie Rowell Community Center, run by the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department, has elected to get licensed. Director Krystal Alpers said Wednesday that the city’s recreation program chose to do so when it moved from the Proulx Community Center to its present facility.
“The new location made it possible for us to be able meet the rules and regulations,” Alpers said. Bessie Rowell Community Center has been licensed since 2014, according to state records posted online, and has had three inspections by the state so far. During two of the inspections, the center was cited for several non-critical violations, which is a common result of inspections.
Becoming a licensed facility is not easy. Organizations must go through a series of processes. They include local health and fire inspections, zoning approval, a physical exam, criminal background checks, and first aid and CPR certification.
But for Alpers, it’s all worth it.
“With all the rules and regulations, I think it puts parents’ minds at ease,” she said.
Besides peace of mind for parents, Alpers said, there’s another benefit to being licensed by the state.
“We get more money for children scholarships through the state, which is especially beneficial to our low-income families,” she said.
Other nonprofit recreation programs in Concord and surrounding towns that are also exempt but choose to be licensed include those run by the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and Girls Inc.
Police and county prosecutors continue to investigate Magoon and say they are interviewing more alleged victims. Magoon, of Tilton, was a police officer in Concord until 1987. Before that, he was an officer in Franklin, according to town reports.
Magoon is accused of fondling and groping two young girls while working as maintenance supervisor at the community center between Aug. 24, 2014, and May 12. Magoon engaged in “pattern sexual assault” against the two girls, ages 8 and 11, according to court documents.
Magoon was held on $150,000 cash following a Tuesday court appearance. Magoon poses an “immediate and serious danger” to the community, prosecutors said.
The Tilton-Northfield Recreation Council sent a press release Wednesday morning acknowledging Magoon’s arrest and May 12 termination.
“This is a very difficult time for the Towns of Tilton and Northfield, and for all of us at the Pines Community Center/Tilton-Northfield Recreation Council,” the release said. It added that safety and security are the top priorities at the center.
Northfield police announced they will hold a public meeting regarding the arrest from 6 to 8 tonight at the Southwick School.
Representatives from the Merrimack County attorney’s office and the Merrimack County Advocacy Center will also be present.
“Please remember that this is still an active and ongoing investigation, and we will not be able to answer specific questions about the case involving Mr. Magoon,” the release said. “However, we want anyone with questions and concerns about their children to attend, and we will do our best to provide you with any resources and information that we can.”
(Elodie Reed can be reached at 369-3306, ereed@cmonitor.com or on Twitter @elodie_reed.)