Retired Judge Gerard Boyle has been nominated by New Hampshire Governor Kelly A. Ayotte to serve as the administrator for the settlement fund addressing claims of abuse at the state’s former youth detention center. This appointment follows a significant overhaul of the fund’s administration, which was established in 2022 to manage allegations of sexual and other forms of abuse that occurred over decades at the John H. Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester.
Boyle, a resident of Campton, brings extensive judicial experience to the role. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he served as a trial judge for 21 years, presiding over the Concord Circuit Court from 2005 to 2016. Prior to that, he was involved with the Merrimack County Teen Court for 13 years, where he focused on rehabilitating first-time offenders. In addition to his judicial background, Boyle has been active in youth programs, including Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.
The nomination was submitted by Attorney General John Formella, who noted that he has received no opposition from the attorneys representing the victims of the youth detention center. Formella expressed confidence in Boyle’s ability to handle the claims process fairly, stating, “Judge Boyle’s wide range of experience and longstanding commitment to adjudicating cases fairly and impartially will serve the YDC claims process well, and I fully support his nomination.”
If confirmed by the Executive Council, Boyle will succeed former Supreme Court Justice John Broderick, who vacated the position in July 2022. Under recent legislative changes, the administrator is now appointed by the governor rather than the New Hampshire Supreme Court, granting more control to state officials over the fund’s operations.
The settlement fund aims to provide financial restitution to victims whose claims are deemed credible. However, concerns have been raised regarding the fund’s structural integrity and its ability to address the large number of claims still pending. Mark Knights, an attorney with Nixon Peabody representing survivors, criticized the recent changes, stating that the “governor and legislature gutted the YDC Settlement Fund,” leaving many claims unresolved.
Knights emphasized the importance of Boyle’s independence in the role, stating, “These are structural failures no single appointment can fix, but we are hopeful Judge Boyle will bring independence and fairness to a process that has been badly undermined by political interference. The survivors we represent have waited decades for justice, and we will judge this appointment by whether it moves them closer to the resolution they were promised.”
The nomination and potential confirmation of Judge Boyle mark a significant step in the ongoing effort to address the allegations of abuse at the youth detention center and to provide a pathway for justice for the victims.