CONCORD, NH — A couple from Concord were arrested last week after a child sexual abuse images investigation in the South End.
On July 10, Concord police and the NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force searched a home on Bow Street across from Rollins Park as part of a multi-month investigation also involving the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Division for Children, Youth, and Families. After the search, Dylan Simms, 27, of Centre Street in Concord was arrested on three felony distribution of child sexual abuse images charges. Also arrested was Meredith Simms, 36, of Bow Street in Concord on a felony count of tampering with witnesses and informants and a hindering apprehension or prosecution charge.
According to court documents, the videos involved a woman sexually assaulting a boy and sexually assaulting a girl, as well as a girl performing gymnastics, without wearing any clothes, in a lewd manner. After the arrests, documents involving the case were sealed due to its disturbing content. The case started after a cyber tip in February, according to police.
Dylan Simms was held on preventative detention and was arraigned Monday in Concord District Court; Meredith Simms was released on personal recognizance.
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The criminal history of Dylan Simms dates back about a decade to when he was a homeless teen in the area, according to posts on Patch and court documents.
Those charges include felony criminal mischief, controlled drug: obtain-buy fake drug, possession of amphetamine, receiving stolen property, unsworn falsification, false report to law enforcement, possession of prescription drugs without a script, possession of controlled drugs, unlawful possession of alcohol, and warrant arrests.
According to Meredith Simms’ LinkedIn profile, she is or was employed as a visitor services assistant at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, a popular local attraction for children. Jeanne Gerulskis, the executive director of the center, did not return an email seeking information about Meredith Simms’ employment status at post time. According to Meredith Simms’ Facebook page, the couple were married in 2019. She was previously arrested for theft in November 2019 and theft in October 2011 in Concord.
Police, in a Concord Regional Crimeline alert, said the department was continuing to investigate the case and asked anyone with information to contact Det. KristieAnn DeSilvio of the Criminal Investigations Division at 603-225-8600. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Concord Regional Crimeline at 603-226-3100 or online at www.concordregionalcrimeline.com.
Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel. Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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