By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
NEWPORT, N.H. — A Durham man allegedly interacted with an underaged female through social media and drove to Newport where he forcibly sexually assaulted the victim and now, he is facing four felony charges.
Evan Pitt, 19, of Durham, was arrested on a warrant by the Durham Police Department on Jan. 28 and then taken to the Newport Police Department. Pitt was charged with the following:
- Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault; Kidnapping
- Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault; Coerce/Threat
- Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault; Superior Physical Strength
- Felonious Sexual Assault; Age Difference 4 Years or More
- Certain Computer Uses Prohibited
According to Chief Stephen “Alex” Lee, the Newport Police Department opened an investigation into a reported sexual assault of a child by an adult male. The child disclosed to a family member, and they went to the Newport Police Department to make the report on Jan. 23. Lee said the incident took place shortly before the victim went to police, but did not have an exact date.
It was alleged that Pitt traveled to Newport after talking with the child over social media, and then forcibly sexually assaulted her while parked at a trailhead.
Lee said officers conducted an extensive investigation that included witness interviews, canvassing local security camera footage, collecting physical and medical forensic evidence, and collecting digital forensic evidence.
The Newport Police Department contacted the Durham Police Department about the incident. Lee said Pitt was contacted by the police prior to the arrest for an interview, and he was told that if there would be a warrant for his arrest he would be notified. Pitt was notified, but he did not turn himself in and was arrested by the Durham Police Department in a public area while inside his vehicle.
Lee did not know if Pitt had any prior incidents, but said issuing a press release could potentially lead to others coming forward if this was not the first time.
“One of the reasons we issue press releases like this is that it is not uncommon after putting this out that additional victims will come forward and see ‘he did something to me, as well,’” Lee said.
Pursuant to the new bail statute RSA 597:2, III (a) (1), Pitt was not eligible to have bail set by a bail commissioner. He was detained without bail at the Sullivan County House of Corrections pending his arraignment on Jan. 29, in the 5th Circuit Court – District Division – Newport.
The Newport Police Department was assisted by Durham Police Department, the Child Advocacy Center of Grafton and Sullivan Counties, Dartmouth Health, the Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center, and the Lincoln Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Cyber Forensics Laboratory.
The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and further charges may be considered when the case is presented to the Sullivan County Superior Court grand jury.
Anyone with information about this investigation should contact Detective Sergeant Alexander Marvin at 603-863-3232 or [email protected].
