Police records indicate that DJ Bettencourt, who was formerly the policy director for Governor Chris Sununu and the deputy commissioner of the New Hampshire Insurance Department, was taken into custody after a domestic violence accusation.
DJ Bettencourt: A Brief Overview
Commissioner Christopher Nicolopoulos put forth DJ Bettencourt’s name for consideration in January 2021, and Governor Chris T. Sununu gave his support to the nomination. DJ Bettencourt is engaged in a contentious allegation that he is now serving as the Deputy Commissioner at the New Hampshire Insurance Department.
Earlier than this, Bettencourt served as Governor Sununu’s Policy Director for four years, during which time his connection with the Insurance Department was subject to critical examination. There has been some controversy surrounding his time spent serving in the legislature, during which he is said to have had some influence on the formulation of insurance policies.
Even though Bettencourt has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications, he has not been able to avoid criticism questioning his competence and the influence he has had on the insurance industry.
Charges of Domestic Violence Leveled Against DJ Bettencourt
According to a complaint filed by the Salem police department, DJ Bettencourt, who is 38 years old, was brought into jail on Thursday. He is accused of attacking a person after a possible incident that included the reading of a text message on their phone. Upon his recognizance, he was freed from custody.
It is not apparent if he is represented by an attorney at this time. A request for comment was sent to him via email, but he did not answer.
Although DJ Bettencourt was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Insurance Department in the previous year, he had previously held the position of Policy Director for Governor Chris T. Sununu from 2017 to 2021. While the COVID-19 epidemic was still in its early phases, he was a member of the Governor’s Economic Reopening Task Force and filled a variety of roles.
Before his appointment, DJ Bettencourt served as a state lawmaker and eventually became the House Majority Leader. He was appointed to his current post. However, in 2012, he resigned from his position after confessing that he had lied about the quantity of work he had accomplished for another lawmaker when he was employed as an intern in law school.
DJ Bettencourt allegedly said to the police that he did not touch or grab his wife, but he did admit that he slammed her phone down, which prompted her to contact the authorities. All of this information is included in the court filings.
Bettencourt’s wife, who asked to remain anonymous, disclosed to the authorities that the couple was participating in marital therapy and that the text message that her husband believed to be about another guy was, in fact, “a diary of her thoughts” recorded in a note-taking app on her phone.
In a statement that she sent to the Eagle-Tribune, she professed her love and support for her husband, adding, “We hope it’s clear when this process concludes that it’s not as it may appear, and I support and love my husband.”
The New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) and the New Hampshire Insurance Department, where Bettencourt is the second-highest official, have both failed to reply to demands for comment made by the government.
Before his position at the Insurance Department, DJ Bettencourt served as Sununu’s Policy Director and led the Governor’s Economic Reopening Task Force. He also held the position of policy director. Sununu, who was born and raised in Salem, eventually became a supporter of Bettencourt’s bid for mayor.
At this time, DJ Bettencourt is a member of the Charter Commission and Budget Committee of Salem Community College.
DJ Bettencourt Abused His Wife As Per Police Record:
Shannon Bettencourt, the wife of DJ Bettencourt, was reminded by the judge of her right under the Fifth Amendment to not, under any circumstances, incriminate herself. This was because some major parts deviate from what is included in a police affidavit.
Shannon Bettencourt, on the other hand, said to the authorities that she was sleeping on a pull-out bed in her daughter’s room when her husband walked in and yelled about a message that he discovered on her phone. He believed that the message was supposed to be from or addressed to another guy.
After DJ Bettencourt returned to the room ten minutes later while still ranting, it is further alleged that Shannon Bettencourt called the police at that time.
Allegedly, DJ Bettencourt grabbed her phone, threatened to damage it, and then threw it on the floor of the laundry room. This is what the allegations are.
On Thursday, Stephen decided to appoint Shannon Bettencourt, the victim who is being charged, as her counsel to ensure that each of her legal rights is safeguarded.
About DJ Bettencourt’s arrest, his wife observed that “he does not deserve to have this incident stain his reputation.”
Back To Work, D.J. Bettencourt Says “This incident was never domestic violence”
Deputy Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of Salem was cleared of domestic violence charges after being accused of simple assault on May 5. He was accused of yelling at his wife as he pulled her out of bed by her forearms as she was reading a text message on her phone.
Aside from the charge being annulled, the court has not disclosed any more information. Tomorrow, Bettencourt will be back at work after being put on paid suspension after his arrest.
New Hampshire Insurance Department Communications Director Andrew Demers said that Deputy Commissioner Bettencourt, who has been on paid administrative leave, would return to work tomorrow morning.
When asked about DJ Bettencourt, a representative for Governor Chris Sununu said to contact Demers instead.
In 2021, DJ Bettencourt began working for the state Insurance Department, where she earned $108,000 a year; she had previously worked as Sununu’s Policy Director.
“As we await further details, it is my understanding that DJ has been placed on administrative leave,” Sununu remarked after Bettencourt’s arrest. Respect Shannon’s (Bettencourt) requests for her family’s privacy at this time, as she has publicly asked.
Under the leadership of former House Speaker Bill O’Brien, DJ Bettencourt rose to prominence as the youngest member of the New Hampshire House to hold that position.
According to an article in the Union Leader from 2012, DJ Bettencourt confessed to forging reports during his law school internship and subsequently decided to step down. Former state representative Brandon Guida, who served as his mentor, said that DJ Bettencourt hardly spent an hour of legal work in his office on a single day. Afterward, it was discovered that Bettencourt’s claims of involvement in court hearings, cases, and client interviews were unfounded.
“Throughout this difficult period, our unwavering love and commitment to our marriage have been our rock,” Bettencourt and his wife Shannon said in a Twitter message they shared. The absence of any legal basis for the occurrence has been appropriately established, leading to the dismissal of the only charge and thus ending the case.
All parties involved are happy that the judicial procedure and the negative political forces surrounding this tragic circumstance have come to a close.
“Domestic violence is a very severe problem that requires really serious attention. It is important to conduct thorough investigations into allegations and to let the process come to its rightful end, as it did in our instance. To make sure the case was handled properly and without political prejudice or conflicts of interest, six separate prosecutors looked at it over the last month.
Even though their dispute got out of hand and caused a very uncomfortable scenario, there was never any evidence of domestic violence. It was a serious mistake that got out there and exposed the personal details of this journey. The lessons learned in communication, composure, and trust are invaluable, and they sincerely apologize for the event.
“The overwhelming show of support from loved ones, coworkers, and strangers who have extended empathy, understanding, and compassion throughout the last several weeks has touched our hearts.
“Life is crazy at times. Every marriage has its ups and downs. They will keep serving the public in a professional capacity. Beyond the public eye, the couple plans to “move forward with a new perspective, patience, and a focus on raising our children and strengthening our relationship with love and resilience,” the statement said.
A joint statement by DJ Bettencourt and his wife-
Conclusion
The domestic violence prosecution against Salem’s Deputy Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt was dropped for simple assault. Bettencourt was detained on May 5 for allegedly dragging his wife out of bed by the forearms, but the additional inquiry found no proof. Bettencourt will return to the New Hampshire Insurance Department following his paid administrative leave.
Bettencourt was a state legislator and Governor Chris Sununu’s policy director, but she has always been controversial. His 2012 House resignation for fabricating internship documents is a huge stain. Even yet, Bettencourt remains active in state governance.
D.J. and Shannon Bettencourt said it was a serious misunderstanding, not domestic violence, and were pleased with the court ruling. Despite their challenges, they thanked the community for their support and dedication to marriage and personal growth.
Despite being embarrassing, this incident showed the complexities of human interactions under public observation. It drove home the need for clear communication, thorough study, and perseverance for personal and professional progress. The Bettencourt want to prioritize their family and return to public service with a new perspective on leadership.
