A disturbing scene unfolded at a Newington Olive Garden over the weekend, where police say a woman ran from the restaurant and told officers she had been held against her will, forced into a marriage and injured during an alleged satanic ritual. Officers reported that she had visible burns and cuts. Authorities say some of the alleged abuse took place in Kittery, Maine, and that the cross-state investigation is still ongoing.
According to Local 12, Newington police were called on Saturday after Pennsylvania State Police got a report from a woman who was tracking her daughter's phone. Investigators say the daughter ran out of the Olive Garden and told officers she wanted to file an emergency restraining order. Officers said they observed what appeared to be cigarette burns on her legs. Court documents also allege that officers found a "Satanic Bible," a sweatshirt and a bag inside the suspect's vehicle.
Timeline and allegations
Court records identify the accused as Daniel Ouellet of Maine. Prosecutors allege he forced the woman to marry him and at times threatened her with a firearm. The paperwork states that Ouellet pointed a gun at the woman while she was driving on Friday and claimed a religious cult was following them. The next day in Kittery, he allegedly grabbed her arm and cut her hand during what was described in court documents as a ritual.
Ouellet has denied the allegations and told reporters the accusations were erroneous, as documented by Arizona's Family.
Criminal history and investigation
Prosecutors told the court that Ouellet has a criminal record that includes previous domestic-violence and DWI charges, and authorities say he is facing multiple counts related to the Newington incident. Officials have not released a full list of charges or arraignment information while the matter remains under investigation, WCAX reports.
Police say evidence was recovered from the vehicle and that investigators in New Hampshire and Maine are coordinating on the case.
Legal context
Under New Hampshire law, unlawful confinement and interference with a person's freedom are addressed in RSA Chapter 633. Criminal-restraint or false-imprisonment charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances and any injuries. Stalking and domestic-violence statutes may also apply when the alleged conduct involves intimate partners, and civil protective orders are commonly sought alongside criminal investigations.
For summaries of the relevant statutes and possible penalties, state-law guides from WomensLaw and from the University of Pennsylvania's statutory guide outline how New Hampshire courts typically handle such allegations.
The case remains under active investigation, and prosecutors say they will release more information as charges are filed. The accused has continued to deny the allegations in media comments. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Newington police, Local 12 reports. Victims of domestic violence in New Hampshire can reach out to local victim-advocacy groups and law-enforcement hotlines for immediate help.
