Rochester woman must pay heavy restitution but avoids jail time for knocking out woman's teeth

Ashley Boulanger (Rochester Police photo)

DOVER, N.H. - A Rochester woman will have to pay a hefty restitution and stay on good behavior for two years to avoid jail time but escaped a felony conviction after pleading guilty to simple assault this week for striking another woman in the mouth with a board causing her to lose several teeth.

Ashley Boulanger, 22, of 5 Fourth St., pleaded guilty to a single count of simple assault, a Class A misdemeanor on Wednesday.

A 12-month jail sentence for the simple assault charge was suspended for two years with the exception of 20 days which Boulanger has already served.

Court records indicate she struck the victim in the face with the board during a Sept. 11 attack that occurred on Winter Street shortly before midnight.

The victim lost four teeth in the incident.

Boulanger could've faced up to seven years in state prison for a felony reckless conduct charge, but instead the state agreed to a diversionary program, which includes 75 hours of community service, mental health and any other counseling deemed appropriate and restitution to the victim of $10,495.

If Boulanger can stay out of trouble and complete all terms of the agreement she will avoid any felony conviction, prosecutor Katelyn Henmueller said on Thursday, adding she was happy with the plea agreement worked out with the defense.