Home » News » Crime
November 24. 2012 10:49PM
DCYF says no complaints filed before boy hospitalized; couple reportedly spotted on Mass. North Shore
Linked articles:
Charges upgraded as hunt for Plaistow mother, boyfriend in beating case continues
Search on for Plaistow couple after tot beaten, burned, nearly blinded
Charges upgraded as hunt for Plaistow mother, boyfriend in beating case continues
Search on for Plaistow couple after tot beaten, burned, nearly blinded
New Hampshire child welfare officials had received no reports of abuse or neglect of a Plaistow boy before he was hospitalized with severe injuries this month, according to a state official.
Plaistow police on Saturday said they still have not located James Nicholson's mother, Jessica Linscott, or her boyfriend, Roland Dow, both of whom are charged in connection with the boy's injuries.
WCVB-TV in Boston reported late Saturday night that officials searched a Beverly, Mass., home where the couple was believed to be staying, but did not find them. WCVB reporter Liam Martin reported on Twitter that authorities were looking for a blue Dodge Caravan with New Hampshire plates.
Maggie Bishop, director of the state Division for Children, Youth & Families, said there were no "founded" or "unfounded" complaints regarding the 3-year-old.
"That just tells you I have no prior involvement," she said.
The boy was last listed in serious but stable condition at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth in Lebanon. An updated condition wasn't available Saturday.
Bishop said the DCYF is involved in the investigation of the boy's mother and her boyfriend, she said.
Roland H. Dow III, 27, of 197 Main St., faces one felony count of first-degree assault for allegedly striking the boy in the head on Nov. 1 and causing a traumatic brain injury. He is also charged with felony second-degree assault for allegedly burning the boy's wrist and fingers, authorities said.
The boy's mother, Jessica M. Linscott, 23, also of 197 Main St., faces six similar misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She is also accused of not seeking treatment for James on six occasions between Nov. 12 and 14.
The alleged abuse was discovered by workers at Exeter Hospital when the couple brought in the boy for treatment on Nov. 14, according to police. Concerned about the boy's condition, hospital staff contacted Plaistow police, who began an investigation.
Officials said the DCYF had custody of the child.
In general, Bishop said, DCYF workers try to keep a child with family members.
"We'd try to do relatives first if there's a relative that is safe or appropriate, then we'd do a foster home," Bishop said, noting the DCYF investigates 8,000 to 9,000 allegations of abuse or neglect a year.
Plaistow police on Saturday said they still have not located James Nicholson's mother, Jessica Linscott, or her boyfriend, Roland Dow, both of whom are charged in connection with the boy's injuries.
WCVB-TV in Boston reported late Saturday night that officials searched a Beverly, Mass., home where the couple was believed to be staying, but did not find them. WCVB reporter Liam Martin reported on Twitter that authorities were looking for a blue Dodge Caravan with New Hampshire plates.
Maggie Bishop, director of the state Division for Children, Youth & Families, said there were no "founded" or "unfounded" complaints regarding the 3-year-old.
"That just tells you I have no prior involvement," she said.
The boy was last listed in serious but stable condition at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth in Lebanon. An updated condition wasn't available Saturday.
Bishop said the DCYF is involved in the investigation of the boy's mother and her boyfriend, she said.
Roland H. Dow III, 27, of 197 Main St., faces one felony count of first-degree assault for allegedly striking the boy in the head on Nov. 1 and causing a traumatic brain injury. He is also charged with felony second-degree assault for allegedly burning the boy's wrist and fingers, authorities said.
The boy's mother, Jessica M. Linscott, 23, also of 197 Main St., faces six similar misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She is also accused of not seeking treatment for James on six occasions between Nov. 12 and 14.
The alleged abuse was discovered by workers at Exeter Hospital when the couple brought in the boy for treatment on Nov. 14, according to police. Concerned about the boy's condition, hospital staff contacted Plaistow police, who began an investigation.
Officials said the DCYF had custody of the child.
In general, Bishop said, DCYF workers try to keep a child with family members.
"We'd try to do relatives first if there's a relative that is safe or appropriate, then we'd do a foster home," Bishop said, noting the DCYF investigates 8,000 to 9,000 allegations of abuse or neglect a year.
- Somersworth man indicted for Market Basket robbery in Epping - 0
- Former editor indicted on child porn charges - 1
- Man wielding pipe robs Cumberland Farms in Goffstown - 1
- Portsmouth manhunt suspect turns himself in to police - 0
- License revocations for DWI announced - 0
- Manchester murder case remains 'active' - 0
- Manchester man gets federal prison time for mail fraud - 0
- Duo allegedly chased off by Windham neighbor with broom indicted over break-in - 7
- Plea deal expected for man who tried to take officer's gun - 1
Former editor indicted on child porn charges
READER COMMENTS: 0- Man pulled from Barnstead pickup truck wreck with serious head injury - 0
- Boy Scouts of America vote ends gay scout ban - 0
- Warwick Mills scores $94.3 million contract from Army for body armor - 0
- Senate OKs medical pot, with plenty of restrictions - 0
- Rangers win in overtime, stay alive for Game 5 - 0
- Hanefeld shoots 74 at Senior PGA - 0
- Bishop Libasci to ordain 2 at St. Joseph Cathedral - 0
- Price tag to restore chimney about $1m - 0
- Officials disallow Woodmont slide show - 0
Getting revved up over student car raffle
READER COMMENTS: 0- Should applicants for jobless benefits have to pass a drug test?
- Yes
- 78%
- No
- 22%
- Total Votes: 1424





