Epping man arrested for alleged false statements in ongoing YDC abuse probe

Youth Development Center in Concord (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - An Epping man was arrested on Tuesday on a class A misdemeanor charge of false report to law enforcement in connection with an ongoing investigation into the Youth Development Center.

The charge against Travis Garand, 24, alleges he "knowingly gave false information to a law enforcement officer with the purpose of inducing such officer to believe that a person named "JB," attempted to commit aggravated felonious sexual assault upon him.

Garand will be arraigned in Dover Circuit Court on June 10. He was released on personal recognizance bail pending that arraignment.

The Task Force investigating alleged crimes at the center will continue its investigation into child abuse allegations.

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

In addition, 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.