Why New Hampshire’s YDC mistrial leaves the case unresolved

A mistrial ends one trial; it does not decide whether the underlying allegations are true. That distinction matters in the New Hampshire Youth Development Center case involving former counselor Jeffrey Buskey.

A judge ended the trial after jurors heard testimony about allegations involving other staff that they were instructed to disregard. After a second reference, the court declared a mistrial. Buskey has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges involving a former resident, and the state said it would evaluate its options, including whether to try the case again. The allegations remain unresolved.

The story is also part of a wider reckoning around the state-run facility, now called the Sununu Youth Services Center. NorthEast News’ report notes that the broader scandal has generated more than 1,100 civil lawsuits and a state settlement fund, which are separate from this criminal proceeding.

NorthEast News is an independent regional publication focused first on New Hampshire. Read our report for the timeline and case context: https://www.northenews.com/article.html?slug=nh-ydc-buskey-sex-assault-trial