Wayne County, Michigan: Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Assaults in Juvenile Jail
A 22-year-old man has filed a lawsuit claiming he was raped multiple times as a teenager by two staff members at a juvenile detention center in Wayne County. The suit, submitted on Thursday in the U.S. District Court in Detroit, outlines distressing allegations against the county officials and seeks justice for the alleged crimes that took place while he was detained there.
Disturbing Allegations
The lawsuit describes how the young man was targeted by the staff members who brought him gifts like “drinks that smelled of alcohol, sweetened tea, candy and other treats.” He recounts feeling trapped and vulnerable, particularly since both employees threatened him with isolation or transfer to a maximum security adult prison if he ever revealed the assaults. The incidents reportedly occurred on numerous occasions in an isolated shower area designed to keep them out of sight from other youths and surveillance cameras.
According to the lawsuit, the young man was housed at the facility from 2018 to 2022 at ages 14 to 17. The filing claims that both staff members worked shifts in such a way that allowed them to abuse him for entire days, labeling him as a “troublemaker” to separate him from other detainees.
The Legal Reaction
Attorney Bertram Marks, representing the man, said that his client has not yet contacted law enforcement about the incidents, although he has encouraged him to pursue criminal charges. Marks expressed frustration over his client’s feelings of isolation and helplessness in the face of such serious allegations.
“It’s just so frustrating to me personally because I just can’t imagine a community that would accept this as a norm,” he stated. The lawsuit identifies the accused staff members only by their last names while Marks aims to uncover their full identities as the case progresses.
County’s Response
In response to the lawsuit, Wayne County spokesperson Doda Lulgjuraj stated that the county has no records of such incidents and intends to mount a strong defense against what they describe as unsubstantiated allegations. State officials, represented by Lynn Sutfin, declined to comment on the pending litigation but emphasized their commitment to the safety of youth in their care.
Previous Issues at the Facility
The juvenile detention center has faced scrutiny for various issues over recent years, including allegations of overcrowding and insufficient staffing. Reports highlighting problems within the facility began surfacing in 2022, and the situation has not improved. In light of recent allegations, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans declared a public health emergency to expedite hiring staff to enhance the safety and welfare of detained youths.
Recently, two youths shared testimonies alleging a staff member had assaulted them, leading to charges against that individual. Additionally, another case involved a state staff member accused of sexual assault against a 15-year-old male resident of the facility.
The Aftermath and Moving Forward
The lawsuit argues that the county and state officials violated the young man’s constitutional rights by permitting such inhumane conditions and failing to ensure his basic safety and well-being during his detention. Marks lamented the severe impact of the alleged abuse, stating, “When you look at this young man, it is as if his soul has been snatched away from him.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, both the county and state will likely face heightened scrutiny as they work to address the serious claims made by this man and the ongoing challenges within the juvenile justice system.
