Manchester Man Convicted of Decades-Old Child Sexual Assault Charges

Daniel O'Dell to be sentenced in March for crimes committed in 1999, while Sherry Letendre still faces related charges.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Daniel O'Dell, 55, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was convicted on one count of aggravated felonious sexual assault and two counts of conspiracy to commit-pattern aggravated felonious sexual assault for sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl repeatedly during 'truth or dare' games in 1999, when he was 29 years old. Sherry Letendre, who was 16 at the time, was also accused of assisting and participating in the rapes and assaults, but her case is still active.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of perseverance in the criminal justice system, as authorities were able to secure a conviction decades after the initial crimes were committed. It also raises questions about the long-term impacts of childhood sexual abuse and the challenges victims face in coming forward, especially in cases with multiple perpetrators.

The details

According to the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office, O'Dell was convicted after a two-day trial. Letendre was originally arrested on 10 felony counts, but one count was dismissed in 2024, and she was later indicted on six of the nine remaining counts. Her trial, which was scheduled for October 2025, was canceled, and a status conference is now scheduled for this Thursday.

  • In 1999, when O'Dell was 29 years old, he sexually abused a 9-year-old girl repeatedly during 'truth or dare' games.
  • O'Dell was convicted on February 10, 2026, after a two-day trial.
  • Letendre's case is still active, with a status conference scheduled for February 16, 2026.

The players

Daniel O'Dell

A 55-year-old man from Manchester, New Hampshire, who was convicted of one count of aggravated felonious sexual assault and two counts of conspiracy to commit-pattern aggravated felonious sexual assault for sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl in 1999, when he was 29 years old.

Sherry Letendre

A 16-year-old girl at the time of the crimes in 1999, who was accused of assisting and participating in the rapes and assaults of the 9-year-old girl. Letendre's case is still active, with a status conference scheduled for February 16, 2026.

John Coughlin

The Hillsborough County Attorney, who stated that O'Dell was convicted beyond a reasonable doubt.

Adrianne Davenport

The lead investigator from the Manchester Police Department, who the county attorney's office said made significant efforts to help lead the case to a successful prosecution.

Katrina Griffin

The Victim Witness Advocate who provided additional support and assistance to the attorneys throughout the prosecution of this case.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on O'Dell's sentencing in March 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of prosecuting decades-old child sexual abuse cases, but also the importance of perseverance and the resilience of victims in seeking justice. It underscores the long-lasting impacts of these crimes and the need for continued support and resources for survivors.