Jurors in New Hampshire have commenced deliberations in the pivotal criminal trial connected to a significant child abuse scandal involving a former youth detention center employee. Victor Malavet, 62, faces charges of repeatedly raping a teenage girl approximately two decades ago. He is one of nine individuals implicated in a five-year investigation into abuse allegations at the Sununu Youth Services Center.
Malavet, who has pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, worked at a separate state-run facility in Concord. During his trial, which spanned four days, he did not testify and his defense team presented no witnesses. However, jurors heard recordings of Malavet denying the allegations during a police interview in April 2021. He claimed his relationship with the alleged victim, Natasha Maunsell, was purely professional when she was a resident at the facility between 2001 and 2002.
In her compelling testimony, Maunsell recounted incidents where Malavet isolated her in various locations within the facility and sexually assaulted her. The prosecution emphasized her bravery in coming forward, contrasting her past fears with her current confidence in sharing her story.
Defense attorney Jaye Duncan argued for Malavet’s acquittal, pointing to inconsistencies in Maunsell’s testimonies over the years. She contended that financial motivations arose after lawsuits were initiated by other victims of the detention center. In response, the prosecution highlighted the separation of civil and criminal cases, questioning why Maunsell would choose to testify in a criminal trial if her primary goal was financial gain.
The charges against Malavet include allegations of sexual contact without consent and using his authority to coerce the alleged victim. In a related civil case, another former resident was awarded $38 million for abuse suffered decades ago, underscoring the ongoing legal challenges faced by the state.
This trial and others like it shed light on the complexities of the state’s role in prosecuting offenders while simultaneously defending itself against allegations of systemic abuse. The outcome of this high-profile case is anticipated to have significant implications for victims and the justice system in New Hampshire.
