CONCORD, N.H. – The state of New Hampshire has decided to compensate a woman with $4.5 million due to her allegations of being raped by a staff member at a youth detention center. The assault reportedly took place in a storage closet, immediately followed by the staffer distributing candy to other children in exchange for good behavior.
Natasha Maunsell, now 39, was a teenager at the time of the alleged incidents, which occurred during her stay at the Youth Detention Services Unit in Concord in 2001 and 2002. Maunsell initiated legal action against the state in 2021, and while preparations for a trial were underway for the upcoming month, a settlement was reached, as confirmed by her legal representative.
Victor Malavet, the accused staff member, faced 12 charges of aggravated felonious sexual assault in connection with Maunsell’s allegations after a sweeping criminal investigation by the state in 2019. Malavet is expected to return to court in June for a second trial, after the initial proceedings ended in a mistrial last September.
The issue of abuse in New Hampshire’s state custody has sparked a significant legal response, with over 1,300 individuals lodging claims of physical or sexual abuse, primarily associated with the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester. Thus far, one case has gone to verdict, awarding $38 million, although officials are attempting to reduce the payout to $475,000. Additionally, a separate case recently concluded with a $10 million settlement.
Many alleged victims are opting to resolve their claims through an alternative state settlement program, which offers compensation capped at $2.5 million. Nevertheless, approximately 800 cases still await resolution through the court system.
While it is typically against reporting standards to disclose the identities of those alleging sexual assault, Maunsell chose to publicly share her experience. In a 2021 interview, she expressed her belief in finding strength amid adversity. “I think that strength can be derived from even the darkest moments, and I feel like anybody who has experienced what I have, they don’t need to be crippled by it,” Maunsell stated. “They can certainly still have hope.”