Former New Hampshire youth center leader defends tenure after damning trial testimony
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Former New Hampshire youth center leader defends tenure after damning trial testimony

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The former head of New Hampshire’s youth detention center is defending himself against claims that he either encouraged physical abuse or was “ willfully blind” to it during his nearly 40 years at the facility. But his name came up often: Multiple former staffers testified that Adams was resistant to training or disciplining staff, was dismissive toward whistleblowers and endorsed his predecessor’s philosophy: “If the kids give you any, beat the out of them.” “The fish rots from the head,” said attorney David Vicinanzo, who argued that the facility’s leaders enabled a culture of abuse. “If it got to me, I would’ve said let’s call the state police and get a formal investigation, because that’s what we did.” He also disputed testimony from former staffers who were involved in investigating resident complaints. One testified that Adams said he would never “take a kid’s word” over that of a staffer; another said Adams matter-of-factly passed along the advice he had received about beating kids if they acted up.

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History of this topic

Youth detention center leader found guilty of holding boy, 14, down while he was raped
1 month, 1 week ago

Youth detention center leader found guilty of holding boy, 14, down while he was raped

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A New Hampshire jury …

Man found guilty of holding down teen while he was raped at a youth center in 1998
1 month, 1 week ago

Man found guilty of holding down teen while he was raped at a youth center in 1998

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, N.H. — A New Hampshire jury on Tuesday found a former leader at a youth detention center guilty of holding down a teen while he was raped in 1998. Last week, Gilpatrick got into several heated exchanges during cross-examination, and at one point called Rothstein a “sick man” as the defense attorney urged him to repeat his claim of …

Jury deliberates on whether man held down teen while he was raped at youth center in 1990s
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Jury deliberates on whether man held down teen while he was raped at youth center in 1990s

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, N.H. — A jury began deliberating Friday on whether a New Hampshire man held down a teenage boy while he was raped at a youth detention center in 1998. During closing arguments, the lawyer, David Rothstein, said “I want to apologize to anyone I may have upset during that exchange, or any other exchange.” Rothstein said Gilpatrick lived in …

Trial starts for New Hampshire youth center worker accused of holding down boy while he was raped
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Trial starts for New Hampshire youth center worker accused of holding down boy while he was raped

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, N.H. — A man who says he was brutally raped as a teenager by workers at a New Hampshire youth center testified Tuesday that he couldn’t report the attack at the time because the perpetrators were responsible for his welfare. Defense lawyer David Rothstein said Gilpatrick had gone to police only in 2020, when he was already “deep into …

Judge moves to slash $38 million verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Judge moves to slash $38 million verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case

Hindustan Times  

CONCORD, N.H. — The judge who oversaw a landmark civil trial over abuse at New Hampshire’s youth detention center has issued a preliminary order slashing the $38 million verdict against the state to $475,000. Rockingham County Superior Court Judge Andrew Schulman previously said reducing the amount awarded to plaintiff David Meehan by nearly 99% would be an “unconscionable miscarriage of …

Judge moves to slash $38 million verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Judge moves to slash $38 million verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — The judge who oversaw a landmark civil trial over abuse at New Hampshire’s youth detention center has issued a preliminary order slashing the $38 million verdict against the state to $475,000. Rockingham County Superior Court Judge Andrew Schulman previously said reducing the amount awarded to plaintiff David Meehan by nearly 99% would be an “unconscionable miscarriage of …

Survivors of sex abuse at Illinois juvenile detention facilities hope for justice
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Survivors of sex abuse at Illinois juvenile detention facilities hope for justice

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Michael Moss said he felt shame and guilt for years after he was sexually abused as a teenager by guards at a troubled Chicago juvenile detention center. Moss, now 30, spoke publicly Tuesday about his traumatic experiences as one of hundreds of survivors who’ve filed lawsuits recounting disturbing allegations of systemic sex abuse in youth detention facilities in …

Hundreds sue over alleged sexual abuse in Illinois youth detention centers
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Hundreds sue over alleged sexual abuse in Illinois youth detention centers

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Hundreds sue over alleged sexual abuse in Illinois youth detention centers
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Hundreds sue over alleged sexual abuse in Illinois youth detention centers

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — More than 200 men and women were sexually abused as children while in custody at juvenile detention centers in Illinois, according to lawsuits filed Monday, the latest in a string of complaints alleging decades of systemic child sex abuse. “The State of Illinois has caused and permitted a culture of sexual abuse to flourish unabated in its Illinois …

Jury deliberates in first criminal trial linked to New Hampshire youth center abuse
4 months, 1 week ago

Jury deliberates in first criminal trial linked to New Hampshire youth center abuse

The Independent  

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Defense seeks to undermine accuser’s credibility in New Hampshire youth center sex abuse case
4 months, 1 week ago

Defense seeks to undermine accuser’s credibility in New Hampshire youth center sex abuse case

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Lawyers for a man charged with raping a teenage girl at a youth holding facility in New Hampshire tried to erode the accuser’s credibility at trial Wednesday, suggesting she had a history of lying and changing her story. “I didn’t think it would matter to anyone … so I kept it in for a long time.” The …

First criminal trial starts in New Hampshire youth detention center abuse scandal
4 months, 2 weeks ago

First criminal trial starts in New Hampshire youth detention center abuse scandal

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — A New Hampshire prosecutor told jurors Monday that a former youth detention center worker “took exactly what he wanted, where he wanted it and when he wanted it” when he repeatedly raped a teenage girl, while his attorney said the accuser concocted the allegations for money. The case against Victor Malavet marks the first criminal trial arising …

By the dozen, accusers tell of rampant sexual abuse at Pennsylvania juvenile detention facilities
5 months, 1 week ago

By the dozen, accusers tell of rampant sexual abuse at Pennsylvania juvenile detention facilities

Associated Press  

A group of nearly 70 people alleged Wednesday they were sexually abused as children while housed in detention centers in Pennsylvania, adding to earlier lawsuits targeting what the accusers’ lawyers say is the state’s broken juvenile justice system. “Many of these juvenile facilities where the sexual abuse occurred remain open, and we have seen no evidence that the inadequate procedures …

Survivors sue Illinois over decades of sexual abuse at Chicago youth detention center
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Survivors sue Illinois over decades of sexual abuse at Chicago youth detention center

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Temarkus Washington says the sexual abuse he experienced as a teenager at a troubled Chicago youth detention center still gives him nightmares. The 35-year-old spoke publicly about his experiences Tuesday, a day after joining two lawsuits collecting dozens of abuse allegations at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, one of the largest centers of its kind nationwide. …

Survivors sue Illinois over decades of sexual abuse at Chicago youth detention center
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Survivors sue Illinois over decades of sexual abuse at Chicago youth detention center

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Temarkus Washington says the sexual …

Dozens more former youth inmates sue over alleged sexual abuse at Illinois detention centers
7 months ago

Dozens more former youth inmates sue over alleged sexual abuse at Illinois detention centers

Associated Press  

Dozens more former youth inmates filed lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in damages for sexual abuse they allegedly endured at Illinois detention centers dating back to the late 1990s. Department of Juvenile Justice officials issued a statement Monday afternoon saying they were aware of the lawsuits “related to allegations under prior administrations.” They said the department takes youth safety seriously …

Judge won’t reconvene jury after disputed verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Judge won’t reconvene jury after disputed verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — The judge who oversaw a landmark trial over abuse at New Hampshire’s youth detention center won’t reconvene the jury but says he will consider other options to address the disputed $38 million verdict. But the attorney general’s office is seeking to reduce the award under a state law that allows claimants against the state to recover a …

Survivors of alleged abuse in Illinois youth detention facilities step forward
8 months ago

Survivors of alleged abuse in Illinois youth detention facilities step forward

Hindustan Times  

CHICAGO — Three men who say they were sexually abused as children while incarcerated at Illinois juvenile detention centers came forward Tuesday as part of a lawsuit that chronicles decades of disturbing allegations of systemic child abuse. Survivors of alleged abuse in Illinois youth detention facilities step forward Calvin McDowell, 37, who alleged he was abused by a chaplain at …

Here's why the verdict in New Hampshire's landmark trial over youth center abuse is being disputed
8 months ago

Here's why the verdict in New Hampshire's landmark trial over youth center abuse is being disputed

Hindustan Times  

CONCORD, N.H. — “Duped.” “Devastated.” “Sickened.” That’s how a jury foreperson felt after learning that the amount awarded in a landmark lawsuit over abuse at New Hampshire’s youth detention center could be slashed by nearly 99%. Here's why the verdict in New Hampshire's landmark trial over youth center abuse is being disputed A jury on Friday awarded $38 million to …

Second juror in New Hampshire youth center abuse trial explains verdict, says state misinterpreted
8 months ago

Second juror in New Hampshire youth center abuse trial explains verdict, says state misinterpreted

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — One of the jurors who awarded a New Hampshire man $38 million in a landmark lawsuit over abuse at the state’s youth detention center says the state is misinterpreting the verdict by capping the payment at $475,000. When asked on a verdict form how many incidents they found Meehan had proven, they wrote “one.” The completed form …

Jury foreperson in New Hampshire youth center abuse trial ‘devastated’ that award could be slashed
8 months ago

Jury foreperson in New Hampshire youth center abuse trial ‘devastated’ that award could be slashed

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Attorneys for a New Hampshire man who prevailed in a landmark lawsuit over abuse at a state-run youth detention center are asking for a hearing after the jury foreperson expressed dismay that the $38 million award could be slashed to $475,000. I’m absolutely devastated,” the jury foreperson wrote to attorney Rus Rilee on Friday evening, according to …

New Hampshire jury finds state liable for abuse at youth detention center and awards victim $38M
8 months ago

New Hampshire jury finds state liable for abuse at youth detention center and awards victim $38M

Associated Press  

BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A New Hampshire jury awarded $38 million to the man who blew the lid off abuse allegations at the state’s youth detention center Friday, finding in a landmark case that the state’s negligence allowed him to be beaten, raped and held in solitary confinement as a teen. David Meehan’s attorney said his client was “overwhelmed and overjoyed” …

Jurors hear closing arguments in landmark case alleging abuse at New Hampshire youth center
8 months ago

Jurors hear closing arguments in landmark case alleging abuse at New Hampshire youth center

Associated Press  

BRENTWOOD, N.H. — Jurors heard closing arguments Thursday in a landmark case seeking to hold the state of New Hampshire accountable for abuse at its youth detention center. But the state’s lawyer said Meehan’s case relied on “conjecture and speculation with a lot of inuendo mixed in” and that zero liability should be assigned to the state. “This was not …

Father of former youth detention center resident testifies against him in New Hampshire trial
8 months, 1 week ago

Father of former youth detention center resident testifies against him in New Hampshire trial

Associated Press  

BRENTWOOD, N.H. — The father of a man who says he was regularly raped and beaten as a teen at New Hampshire’s youth detention center briefly testified Tuesday, saying his son had a reputation for dishonesty. Daniel Meehan was the first witness called by the state, which is defending itself against allegations that its negligence allowed his son David to …

Former teacher at New Hampshire youth detention center testifies about bruised teens
8 months, 1 week ago

Former teacher at New Hampshire youth detention center testifies about bruised teens

Associated Press  

BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A former teacher at New Hampshire’s youth detention center testified Monday that she reported suspicious bruises on at least half a dozen teenage boys in the 1990s, including the former resident who filed a landmark lawsuit against the state. Brenda Wouters, who taught social studies at the Sununu Youth Services Center for 35 years, was the final …

Lawyer defending New Hampshire in youth center abuse trial attacks former resident’s credibility
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Lawyer defending New Hampshire in youth center abuse trial attacks former resident’s credibility

Associated Press  

BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A lawyer defending the state of New Hampshire against abuse allegations at its youth detention center attacked the plaintiff’s credibility Monday, suggesting he was a troublemaker who was appropriately punished as a teen and is now a delusional adult seeking a payout. Since then, 11 former state workers have been arrested, and more than 1,100 former residents …

Former resident of New Hampshire youth center describes difficult aftermath of abuse
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Former resident of New Hampshire youth center describes difficult aftermath of abuse

Associated Press  

BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A man who says he was beaten and raped as a teen at New Hampshire’s youth detention center testified Friday that he both tried to take his own life and plotted to kill his abusers years later before speaking up. “Because this time, I really think I’m capable of taking the life of Jeff Buskey.” Buskey and …

A former youth detention center resident testifies about ‘hit squad’ attack
8 months, 3 weeks ago

A former youth detention center resident testifies about ‘hit squad’ attack

Associated Press  

BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A former resident of New Hampshire’s youth detention center testified Tuesday that his house leader and another staffer restrained him in a stairwell while two other workers sexually assaulted him. “My body just went blank.” Gilpatrick, 40, was the first former resident to testify at the first civil trial seeking to hold the state accountable for alleged …

Ex-worker at New Hampshire youth detention center describes escalating retaliation for complaints
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Ex-worker at New Hampshire youth detention center describes escalating retaliation for complaints

Associated Press  

BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A woman who worked at New Hampshire’s youth detention center three decades ago testified Wednesday that supervisors and staff were dismissive at best and menacing at worst when she reported suspected abuse. Referring to a state law that outlines the facility’s mission, attorney David Vicinanzo asked Lemoine if her workplace provided a “wholesome, caring environment.” “No, it …

New Hampshire Senate passes bill to expand scope of youth detention center victim settlements
9 months, 2 weeks ago

New Hampshire Senate passes bill to expand scope of youth detention center victim settlements

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Senate on Thursday passed legislation to greatly expand the scope of the out-of-court settlement process to compensate victims of abuse at the state’s youth detention center. The state faces about 1,200 lawsuits alleging physical, sexual or emotional abuse stretching back six decades at the Sununu Youth Services Center, formerly called the Youth Development Center, …

New Hampshire AG’s office to play both offense and defense in youth center abuse trials
9 months, 3 weeks ago

New Hampshire AG’s office to play both offense and defense in youth center abuse trials

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Lawyers defending New Hampshire’s state-run youth detention center against allegations of horrific abuse will be allowed to undermine an accuser’s credibility when the first of more than 1,000 lawsuits goes to trial next month, even as a separate team of state lawyers relies on his account to prosecute former workers. With both Meehan’s civil case and the …

New Hampshire considers greatly expanding scope of settlement fund for youth center abuse victims
10 months, 2 weeks ago

New Hampshire considers greatly expanding scope of settlement fund for youth center abuse victims

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Lawyers representing 1,400 men and woman who allege they were abused as children at New Hampshire’s youth detention centers said Tuesday they will recommend the state’s out-of-court settlement option for most of their clients if lawmakers approve a plan to greatly expand its scope. The state faces about 1,200 lawsuits alleging physical, sexual and emotional abuse stretching …

A New Jersey youth detention center had ‘culture of abuse,’ new lawsuit says
11 months, 3 weeks ago

A New Jersey youth detention center had ‘culture of abuse,’ new lawsuit says

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey youth detention center let a “culture of abuse,” in which staff sexually abused boys, endure for decades, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in state Superior Court by 50 men who lived at the facility. The lawsuit alleges virtually unchecked sexual abuse of the boys housed at the New Jersey Training School in Monroe …

Hundreds alleged assault by youth detention workers. Years later, most suspects face no charges
1 year ago

Hundreds alleged assault by youth detention workers. Years later, most suspects face no charges

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Zach Robinson spent decades trying to fight off nightmares about being raped as a child at New Hampshire’s youth detention center. Trina Cotter clutches a pendant containing some of the ashes of her son, Zach Robinson, during an interview at their family home, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Dover, N.H. “It definitely angers me but it goes …

Lawsuit alleges ‘widespread’ abuse at shuttered youth facility operated by man commuted by Trump
1 year, 2 months ago

Lawsuit alleges ‘widespread’ abuse at shuttered youth facility operated by man commuted by Trump

Associated Press  

— Eight former residents of a youth treatment center that was run by an Arkansas man whose bribery conviction was commuted by former President Donald Trump have filed a lawsuit claiming they were victims of “systematic and widespread” abuse at the now-shuttered facility. Attorneys for the former residents of the Lord’s Ranch said the lawsuit is the first of several …

Former residents of a New Hampshire youth center demand federal investigation into abuse claims
1 year, 4 months ago

Former residents of a New Hampshire youth center demand federal investigation into abuse claims

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Frustrated former residents of New …

Ex-state adviser implicated in youth center abuse lawsuits
1 year, 10 months ago

Ex-state adviser implicated in youth center abuse lawsuits

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, N.H. — The girls at New Hampshire’s youth detention center called their dormitory leader “Peepin’ Dave” because they say he leered at them through a bathroom window. Ball, and employees like him, were allowed to sexually, physically and emotionally abuse kids for decades without fear of reprisal because child abuse by state employees was not only tolerated, it was …

Consolidated youth center abuse lawsuits move forward
2 years, 5 months ago

Consolidated youth center abuse lawsuits move forward

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — A judge has consolidated hundreds of lawsuits alleging physical and sexual abuse at New Hampshire’s youth detention center, more than two years after the first case was filed. While consolidation brings the “the risk of cookie cutter dispositions,” proceeding with individual cases would present a “backbreaking clerical burden” for the court, said Merrimack County Superior Court Judge …

Settlement fund proposed for youth center sex abuse victims
2 years, 11 months ago

Settlement fund proposed for youth center sex abuse victims

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy New Hampshire would create a …

Sex abuse charges expand to 2nd New Hampshire youth center
3 years, 8 months ago

Sex abuse charges expand to 2nd New Hampshire youth center

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Four former youth detention center workers charged with sexual assault made initial court appearances in New Hampshire on Thursday, including a man accused of abusing a girl multiple times in a candy storage closet at a second state-run facility. The state has made 11 arrests this month in connection with a broad investigation into physical and sexual …

4 more ex-youth center workers charged in New Hampshire
3 years, 8 months ago

4 more ex-youth center workers charged in New Hampshire

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire state police arrested another four men Wednesday in connection with a broad criminal investigation into physical and sexual abuse at a state-run youth detention center, bringing the total to 11. Jonathan Brand, Victor Malavet, Trevor Middleton and Stanley Watson together have been charged with 14 counts of sexual assault involving five victims between 1997 and …

7th man arrested in sex abuse case at youth detention center
3 years, 9 months ago

7th man arrested in sex abuse case at youth detention center

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — A former youth detention center worker accused of responding to a bruised and crying teenager’s rape allegations by saying, “Look little fella, that just doesn’t happen,” was arrested Thursday in the latest development in a broad investigation into the New Hampshire facility. “Searles cut him off, responding ‘Look little fella, that just doesn’t happen.’ Then Searles left.” …

6 charged in NH youth detention center sex abuse probe
3 years, 9 months ago

6 charged in NH youth detention center sex abuse probe

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Six former staffers at New Hampshire’s state-run youth detention center were arrested Wednesday in connection with the abuse of 11 children over the course of a decade, including one who continued working with children for nearly 20 years after he is accused of holding a boy down while colleagues raped him. The Sununu Youth Services Center, formerly …

Hundreds claim decades of abuse by 150 youth center staffers
3 years, 10 months ago

Hundreds claim decades of abuse by 150 youth center staffers

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Abuse allegations against New Hampshire’s state-run youth detention center now span six decades, with 150 staffers during that time accused of physically or sexually harming 230 children at a facility the victims’ attorney calls a “magnet for predators.” Rus Rilee sued the state in January 2020 on behalf of three dozen adults who alleged they were abused …

Charges dropped as youth center abuse investigation widens
4 years, 9 months ago

Charges dropped as youth center abuse investigation widens

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire attorney general’s office said Wednesday it is dropping 82 rape charges against two former youth counselors in order to strengthen its expanded investigation into sex abuse at the state’s youth detention center. But Attorney General Gordon MacDonald dismissed the charges Wednesday, saying court deadlines in those cases “are now negatively impacting the State’s ability …

Ex-youth center counselor’s lawyer sees greed behind charges
4 years, 11 months ago

Ex-youth center counselor’s lawyer sees greed behind charges

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — An attorney for a man charged with repeatedly raping a teenage boy at New Hampshire’s state-run youth detention center in the 1990s said Friday the allegations are motivated by “money and greed.” Stephen Murphy, 50, was charged in July with 26 counts of rape. He accused Meehan of blaming his family, the state, Murphy and others “for …

Ex-youth center workers accused of rape; state investigates
5 years, 5 months ago

Ex-youth center workers accused of rape; state investigates

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s attorney general launched an investigation Thursday into the state youth detention center after two former counselors were charged with raping a teenage boy 82 times, at least once at gunpoint, in the late 1990s. The “comprehensive, multi-faceted” investigation into the Sununu Youth Services Center will initially focus on the center’s operations and employees from 1990 …

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