Pines Center director leaves in wake of sex scandal

NORTHFIELD — The former director of the Tilton-Northfield Pines Community Center has resigned in the wake of the arrest of a maintenance man for allegedly sexually assaulting young children.

A news letter sent by the Pines Center board of directors confirmed Jim Doane resigned on June 2 following a meeting held in the evening of June 1. He had been director since summer of 2010.

Part-time maintenance man Robert Magoon, 73, of 27 Deer St. in Tilton was charged on May 3 with two separate complaints of assault one 9-year-old girl multiple times between the dates of Sept. 1 2015 and May 12, 2016. He was charged with abusing an 11-year-old girl between Aug. 24, 2014 to May 12, 2016.

Affidavits were sealed for 60 days by Judge Edward "Ned" Gordon and a judicial call center representative said Friday the case has been bound over to the Merrimack County Superior Court for possible indictment.

Magoon is being held in the Merrimack County Jail in lieu of $150,000 cash-only bail. Northfield Police Chief John Raffaelly said the investigation into Magoon's alleged assaults at the center is continuing and seven and eight additional possible victims have been identified.

The Pines Board of Directors outlined some operational changes that have already happened or will happen as the center moves forward.

Included are a single entry and exit through the front door of the facility. All other doors are to remain locked and closed throughout the day. Alarms will be added to all doors.

All people who enter the center will have to sign in and the center will be increasing the number of cameras throughout the building. The board is reevaluating staffing needs and examining policies and procedures.