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.
Money isn't enough to smooth the path for Republican candidates hoping to retake the Senate
Chynna Phillips, 56, reveals she has to undergo surgery to remove a 14
Judge declines to dismiss lawsuits filed against rapper Travis Scott over deadly Astroworld concert
King Charles III's coronation anniversary is marked by ceremonial gun salutes across London
Maine sheriff's fate rests with governor after commissioners call for his firing
Massachusetts House launches budget debate, including proposed spending on shelters, public transit
Billionaire Texas oilman inks deal with Venezuela's state
Now Take That fans are left fuming after venue change from crisis
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities