Dartmouth College professors face criminal investigation for alleged ‘sexual misconduct’
Three Dartmouth College professors who have been put on paid leave by the Ivy League college’s administration now face a criminal investigation for alleged sexual misconduct, prosecutors said.
Dartmouth College recently acknowledged to the campus newspaper, The Dartmouth, that three professors are on paid leave while the college conducts an investigation “into allegations of serious misconduct,’’ the New Hampshire attorney general’s office said Tuesday.
In a statement, Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald’s office said it had spoken with Dartmouth officials about their investigation.
“This Office has engaged in a dialogue with Dartmouth College and we have learned from the College that it has received allegations of sexual misconduct,’’ MacDonald’s office said. “This Office … will be conducting a joint criminal investigation into this matter.’’
Prosecutors said Dartmouth has promised to assist them.
“Dartmouth College has pledged to work with this investigation to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of their community,’’ prosecutors said.
MacDonald’s office will be joined in the investigation by the Grafton County Attorney, the New Hampshire State Police, and officers from the town of Hanover and Grafton County Sheriff’s Department.
The names of the professors were not released. MacDonald’s office said it would not be commenting publicly while the investigation is underway.
“We will provide further information when we can do so, consistent with our obligation to ensure the integrity of the investigation,’’ the statement said. “At this time, we have no basis to conclude that there is a threat to the general public.’’
