Man From Manchester To Be Sentenced On 1999 Child Sexual Assault Charges In March: Follow-Up

MANCHESTER, NH — A man from Manchester was convicted on child rape charges dating back more than a quarter of a century, according to the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office.

Daniel O’Dell, 55, of Manchester, was convicted on one count of aggravated felonious sexual assault and two counts of conspiracy to commit-pattern aggravated felonious sexual assault, all felonies, after a two-day trial on Thursday and Friday. John Coughlin, the county attorney, said O’Dell was convicted beyond a reasonable doubt.

When he was 29, O’Dell sexually abused a 9-year-old girl repeatedly during “truth or dare” games. Sherry Letendre, who was 16 at the time, was accused of assisting and participating in the rapes and assaults by having the child mimic certain sexual acts Letendre would perform on O’Dell, according to police investigatory documents.

Letendre’s case is still active. She was originally arrested on 10 felony counts. One count was dismissed in July 2024. In September 2025, Letendre was indicted on six of the nine remaining counts. A trial was slated for October 2025 but canceled. A status conference is booked in Hills North for Thursday.

Coughlin said lead investigator, Adrianne Davenport, of the Manchester Police Department, “made significant efforts to help lead the case to a successful prosecution.” Victim Witness Advocate Katrina Griffin and Paralegal Brittney Weiner provided additional support and assistance to the attorneys throughout the prosecution of this case, according to officials.

“The county attorney’s office commends the victim for her courage to report these crimes to police, her steadfast willingness to engage with the criminal justice process, and her resilience in testifying,” a statement said.

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