Was under investigation for alleged exploitation of minor

by Ted Cohen, in The Maine Wire

The Skowhegan town manager who has died unexpectedly was under investigation for alleged sexual exploitation of a minor, a Bangor TV station reports.

Nicholas Nadeau was hired less than a year ago after he served as Blue Hill’s town administrator.

He previously served as interim town manager for his hometown of Fairfax, Vermont.

Nadeau was also a former recreation director in Waterbury, Vermont.

WABI-TV says state police had received a tip from a 14-year-old girl in Florida who reported inappropriate online communication with an adult male.

The investigation was reportedly in the preliminary stages when Nadeau died by what the medical-examiner office reports was apparent suicide.

Police had seized cellphones and computers from Nadeau’s home as part of their investigation into a complaint from the teenage girl, according to CentralMaine.com.

The select board issued a statement about Nadeau’s death.

“This is a difficult moment for many within town government and throughout the community,” the board said. “We extend our condolences to Mr. Nadeau’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those affected by his passing.”

Nadeau’s family traveled to Maine to retrieve personal belongings from his Winslow residence.

He worked in Waterbury from 2018 until 2022 as recreation director and left in the summer of 2022 to take a position as town administrator in Blue Hill.

His efforts in Waterbury received several recognitions, including a 2021 Spirit of ADA Award from the Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities.

In 2022, Nadeau received a Governor’s Rays of Kindness Award for acts of service, goodwill and kindness.

Nadeau helped secure grant funds to support meals for youth recreation programs in Waterbury and he helped land funding that led to the purchase of two vans to transport youngsters and staff for various rec activities. 

He had a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s in education from Johnson State College, now Northern Vermont University.

Nadeau worked in the athletics and recreation department at Northern Vermont University for seven years before landing the Waterbury position.

While working in Waterbury, Nadeau also earned a doctorate degree in education from Liberty University.