Manchester Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Young Child

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester Police have charged William Flanders, 71, of Manchester with sexual assault.

Police began an investigation of Flanders on Feb. 2 after they received a report he had sent some inappropriate text messages in reference to a child he knew was under the age of 13.

During the investigation, according to police, they accused Flanders of sexually assaulted the child on multiple occasions during a two-year period.

Flanders was arrested Saturday and was charged with aggravated felonious sexual assault-pattern and criminal threatening charges. He was arraigned in Hillsborough County Superior Court North on Tuesday and released on personal recognizance bail.

It was learned that Flanders was a custodian at a Bedford school since 2007.

Michael Fournier Superintendent of the Bedford School District issued the following statement:

The Bedford School District learned today that a former employee has been charged with criminal threatening and felonious sexual assault. Bill Flanders has been an employee (2nd shift custodian) of Bedford since 2007.

The charges filed against Mr. Flanders are not related to a Bedford student or any illegal activity in Bedford. Mr. Flanders is no longer employed by the Bedford School District.

The safety of students is our highest priority. As a result, we will review our policies and procedures around employees and student safety and make necessary adjustments. As a reminder, all of us are mandated reporters and should call 603-271-6562 if we suspect neglect or abuse."

Patch will update with more information as it becomes available.