Crime & Safety
New Boston Man Held On Preventative Detention At Arraignment
Gregory Wells, 19, allegedly had dozens of child abuse images, prosecutors say, some involving toddlers. He currently faces three felonies.
NEW BOSTON, NH — A New Boston man, 19-year-old Gregory Wells, is being held without bail at the Hillsborough County House of Corrections following his arraignment Friday on felony charges related to the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.
Wells was arrested on Thursday after a four-month multi-agency investigation. During the arraignment, prosecutors revealed he was allegedly in possession of dozens of child sex abuse images, some of which depicted toddlers.
Defense attorney Shannon Meighan requested Wells be released on conditions, emphasizing his lack of a criminal record and his lifelong residency in New Hampshire, arguing he is not a flight risk. However, Prosecutor Francis Coffey countered, stating the nature of the charges indicated Wells posed a significant threat to the community. Coffey asserted the possession and acquisition of such images directly promotes the abuse of "one of the most vulnerable groups of our society, prepubescent children."
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Following arguments, Wells was ordered held on preventive detention. He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 5. Hillsborough County Sheriff Brian Newcomb expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, "We're very happy he was held preventatively, so we can protect the citizens of Hillsborough County from him.”
Wells currently faces three felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The court sealed the affidavits for the current charges and further details of the alleged crimes are not available at this time.
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The extensive four-month operation that led to Wells' arrest involved a significant collaborative effort between numerous law enforcement agencies. These included the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. Local police departments from New Boston, Goffstown, Bow, Merrimack, and Seabrook also participated in the coordinated action.
Sheriff Newcomb indicated that the investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely to be filed. Anyone with further information or questions regarding this case is urged to contact Sheriff Brian J. Newcomb directly via email at brian.newcomb@hcnh.gov or by calling 603-660-8921.
