06/23/2026
Sheriff's Office Provides Update Regarding Release of Defendant Following Extradition
Grafton County, New Hampshire — The Grafton County Sheriff's Office is providing the following information regarding the custody status of an individual recently extradited to Grafton County to face multiple felony charges.
On June 3, 2026, members of the United States Marshals Service, acting on behalf of the Grafton County Sheriff's Office, extradited Simon David Nelson, 41, from the State of Iowa to Grafton County pursuant to an active Grafton County warrant. The extradition process cost Grafton County taxpayers approximately $3,634.
Nelson has been charged with four counts of Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault in the Grafton County Superior Court. According to court documents, the charges stem from allegations involving incidents reported to have occurred between 2012 and 2016.
For approximately ten years, these charges remained unresolved while Nelson did not appear before the Grafton County Superior Court to answer the allegations and remained a fugitive at large. Nelson's whereabouts became known to authorities following his arrest in Iowa on allegations of assault and indecent exposure. Those allegations are separate matters and have not been adjudicated in the state of Iowa.
Following Nelson's arrest, the Grafton County Sheriff's Office worked with federal and local law enforcement partners to facilitate his return to New Hampshire so that he could finally be brought before the Grafton County Superior Court to answer to the pending felony charges.
Less than 24 hours after Nelson's return to New Hampshire, the Grafton County Attorney's Office requested that he be released on personal recognizance bail. The court granted that request, and Nelson was subsequently released from custody pending future court proceedings. Since his release, Nelson has failed to comply with the conditions of his bail. Specifically, Grafton County Sheriff’s office has determined that he is not residing at the address provided to and approved by the court as a condition of his release. As a result, Grafton County Sheriff’s office is seeking an arrest warrant charging Nelson with Breach of Bail.
The Sheriff's Office recognizes that members of the public may have questions regarding this outcome. While the Sheriff's Office was responsible for locating, apprehending, and ensuring the safe return of the defendant to Grafton County, decisions regarding bail and release conditions are made through the judicial process based upon requests presented to the court.
The criminal charges against Nelson are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Grafton County Sheriff's Office remains committed to ensuring that individuals charged with serious crimes are located, apprehended, and brought before the court so that victims have the opportunity to see their cases heard through the judicial process.
Additional information regarding future court proceedings may be available through the Grafton County Superior Court.
The Grafton County Sheriff's Office also remains committed to reducing the number of outstanding felony warrants assigned to our agency for service by the Superior Court. When Sheriff Myers took office, more than 420 outstanding felony warrants awaited service. Through the dedicated efforts of Grafton County Sheriff's Office personnel and cooperation with law enforcement partners throughout New Hampshire and across the country, that number has been reduced to approximately 380.
While significant work remains, the Sheriff's Office will continue to prioritize the ex*****on of felony warrants to ensure that individuals charged with serious crimes are brought before the court and that criminal cases can proceed through the justice system.
