A New Hampton man is accused of sexually assaulting a teenager while on the job at the Boys & Girls Club in Concord.
Joshua T. Adams, 29, faces one count each of endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated felonious sexual assault, in addition to five counts of felonious sexual assault, according to court records. Concord police Lt. Sean Ford said Tuesday that Adams sexually assaulted a girl on multiple occasions, beginning in 2016 in the city.
The victim, who was under the age of 16, reported to police at the end of August, prompting an investigation that resulted in Adams’s arrest on Sept. 6.
“She met him while he was working at the Boys & Girls Club at 55 Bradley St.,” Ford said, adding that at least two of the reported assaults occurred at that location. “There was inappropriate sexual contact while he was responsible for overseeing juveniles.”
Adams, a former Boys & Girls Club member, is no longer employed with the organization.
Christopher Emond, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire, said by phone Tuesday afternoon that the club had not yet notified parents of club members about the pending criminal case, but that information would be going out to families soon.
In a written statement, Emond said the safety and protection of children is the club’s “number one priority.”
“We are deeply concerned and alarmed by this allegation and are cooperating fully with law enforcement in the investigation of this serious matter,” Emond said.
He continued, “Our organization is committed to the highest standards of ethical behavior and integrity, and does not tolerate inappropriate or illegal activity on the part of any Club staff, volunteer or youth member.”
All club employees and volunteers must undergo a criminal background check. Adams has no criminal record in New Hampshire, according to court records.
Ford said police are not aware of any other victims at this time, but said the police investigation into the allegations against Adams is still active. He encouraged anyone with information to contact the department.
“Victims’ well-being is our number one priority, and we want to help get them the services that they need,” Ford said. “We want to help anyone who may have been harmed.”
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence echoed those sentiments in a statement Tuesday.
“Families are encouraged to reach out to their local crisis center to learn more about how to have age-appropriate conversations about sexual abuse if they believe that their children have been exposed to a sexual offender,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, the coalition’s director of public affairs. “Advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide free and confidential services.”
Adams was released on $500 cash bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 15 in Concord’s district court.