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, in Manchester. The Senate voted unanimously and without debate Thursday to make sweeping changes to the settlement process, including adding multiple new categories of abuse. The bill proposes allowing claims based on a slew of other crimes, including reckless conduct, criminal threatening, child endangerment, solitary confinement, unlawful strip search and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

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History of this topic

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 …

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  

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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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

Sununu signs stopgap bill keeping troubled youth center open
1 year, 10 months ago

Sununu signs stopgap bill keeping troubled youth center open

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s troubled state-run youth detention center will stay open beyond its mandated closure date, but its future remains uncertain after lawmakers failed to agree on how to replace it. Debate over the future of the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester began years ago, but it has come to a boil amid horrific sexual abuse allegations …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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