Seventh Arrest Made in the Investigation of the Youth Development Center

Concord, NH - New Hampshire Deputy Attorney General Jane E. Young and State Police Colonel Nathan Noyes announce a seventh arrest was made late last night, April 7, 2021, by New Hampshire State Police with assistance from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

The following individual was arrested:

Gordon Thomas Searles, age 65, Brooksville, Florida

• 1 count aggravated felonious sexual assault
• The charge involves an allegation by one former resident of the YDC occurring between 1995-1998
• Pending extradition from Florida and is currently held without bail

he charge and allegation is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Any person with information regarding criminal conduct at the YDC is urged to contact the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Task Force hotline at 271-4000.

Anyone who was physically or sexually assaulted or abused at the YDC is encouraged to contact their local crisis center. Crisis center advocates are available across New Hampshire to provide free and confidential support to anyone impacted by sexual violence. Crisis center services are also available to anyone who has experienced or witnessed abuse, or who is looking to find ways to support someone who has. Crisis centers can provide individual support, support groups, assistance reporting abuse, help understanding options and the legal system, court and hospital accompaniment, housing assistance, and referrals for local services including mental health and substance abuse services. To speak with an advocate, please call the statewide domestic violence hotline at 1-866-644-3574 or the statewide sexual assault hotline at 1-800-277-5570 or find the crisis center nearest you at https://www.nhcadsv.org/member-programs.html.