Judge cancels November trial date over competency concerns even though defendant has already been found competent
By Kelly Burch- Granite State News Collaborative
The sexual assault trial of a former North Conway therapist – previously convicted of manslaughter in the drunk-driving death of a child – has been delayed for a third time, a blow that the alleged victim in the case says is excruciating.
“I have to say, I’m very angry at the state,” said Bonnie Sitomer, a former counseling client of Peter Stone, who was charged with five accounts of felonious sexual assault in 2021. “I know the judge has to protect [Stone’s] rights, but … where is my right?”
The charges stem from alleged abuse against Sitomer on five occasions in 2016. Stone was arraigned on the charges in August 2021, and has had three final pretrial hearings set: in August 2025, March 2026 and, most recently, on Thursday, Oct. 8. Jury selection for Stone’s trial was set to being in Carroll County Superior Court in Ossipee on Nov. 2.
But the trial date was canceled after Stone filed a motion to determine competency, which Judge Mark T. Attorri granted. Stone was previously found competent to stand trial in the case in 2024.
“There is something really wrong with the system where … this case has languished for six years,” said Sitomer, who now lives in Somersworth. “I would like to know what this is costing the taxpayer.”
The 2025 trial was canceled when Stone indicated his intention to plead guilty. Plea hearings were set for December 2025 and January 2026, but did not ultimately result in a plea.
Following that, a trial was set for March, but canceled due to concerns over how to transport Stone to court.
The most recent cancellation leaves Sitomer extremely frustrated.
“I had hoped that finally my voice would be heard, “because I’ve been silenced for six years.” she said,
Emotional toll of trial delays
Delayed cases are a "hugely significant issue for victims in New Hampshire,” said Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs for the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. While defendants have constitutional rights to a speedy trial, alleged victims don’t have the same rights, Grady Sexton noted.
For victims like Sitomer, having a case stretch out for dozens of hearings over many years takes an emotional toll, said Grady Sexton.
“Each scheduled hearing or trial date requires a victim to prepare to relive the trauma, arrange time away from work or school, and reorganize their life, only to learn that the case has been postponed again,” Grady Sexton said.
She added, “Delay can also be used strategically” by defendants.
Sitomer feels that has occurred in this case.
“Every move the state has made, they’ve just been manipulated by this person,” Sitomer said.
Stone has an extensive history with the criminal justice system. In 1989, he crashed into a motorcycle in Nashua while driving drunk, killing 10-year-old Lacey Packer, the Associated Press has previously reported. Stone was convicted of manslaughter in that case and incarcerated until 2002.
While in jail, he changed his name from Peter Dushame to Peter Stone. As Dushame, the alleged perpetrator had five drunk driving convictions and two additional fatal vehicle accidents not involving alcohol before he killed the child, the AP reported.
The sexual assault case has been delayed so long that Sitomer is now a senior – an age group that is entitled to a speedy trial under New Hampshire law. The statute – RSA 632-A:9 – calls on the court to “consider any adverse impact the delay or continuance may have on the well-being of the victim” in cases involving victims who are 16 or younger, or 65 and older.
Sitomer turned 65 in April. In June, her attorney wrote a letter to Carroll County Attorney Keith Blair requesting that the case move forward without further delay, and that Blair oppose any further requests for continuances. Blair’s office did not respond to a request for comment following Thursday's hearing.
Sitomer said she’s determined to see this case to trial, no matter how long it takes. But her experience has also made her understand why so few victims come forward.
“The system abuses you as much as the criminal,” she said.
These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.