CHICAGO (AP) — Child sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers was pervasive and systemic for decades, according to disturbing accounts in a lawsuit filed Monday by 95 men and women housed at the youth centers as children.
The lawsuit details alleged incidents of abuse from 1996 to 2017, including gang rape, forced oral sex, beatings and groping of children by corrections officers, sergeants, nurses, therapists, a chaplain and others at nine youth centers. Many plaintiffs said they were threatened or rewarded to keep quiet.
“The State of Illinois has allowed a culture of abuse at Illinois Youth Centers to flourish unabated,” the 186-page complaint said.
The lawsuit, filed in the Illinois Court of Claims, follows similar harrowing allegations of child sex abuse at juvenile detention centers in Maryland, New Jersey, New Hampshire, California and New York City. Some cases have gone to trial or resulted in settlements; arrests have been infrequent.
One natural gas transport plan killed in New Jersey as another forges ahead
Muslim teaching assistant claims being awarded the Christmas Grinch prize at 'light
European Union official urges G7 to step up air defense for Ukraine and expand Iran sanctions
Moyes leaving West Ham at the end of the season. Lopetegui linked as the replacement
Italy starting Davis Cup title defense against Brazil and US plays Chile
How South Africa's former leader Zuma turned on his allies and became a surprise election foe
Kim Kardashian showcases signature curves in tiny black bikini as she inexplicably dives into knee
What we learned from local votes ahead of looming UK general election
Burkina Faso junta expel 3 French diplomats over alleged subversive activities