QUICK SUMMARY
A lawsuit filed by a dozen formerly incarcerated minors alleges systemic sexual abuse at Snohomish County's Denney Youth Center and Denney Juvenile Justice Center. The suit claims that the county and unnamed individuals violated the constitutional rights of vulnerable youths, with survivors as young as 10 years old.
A dozen minors formerly incarcerated at Snohomish County's juvenile detention facilities filed a lawsuit alleging systemic sexual abuse, including rape and degradation. The suit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, names Snohomish County and up to 20 unnamed individuals responsible for the alleged abuses. The plaintiffs, some as young as 10, claim that the county's failure to maintain adequate reporting mechanisms and supervision enabled a culture of abuse. Steve Berman, managing partner at Hagens Berman, condemned the county's neglect of its duty to protect vulnerable children. The lawsuit outlines numerous violations, including invasive strip searches and unsupervised one-on-one time with staff. Attorneys assert that the abuse represents an institutional failure rather than isolated incidents. The case underscores the pressing need for accountability and reform within the juvenile justice system in Washington State. As the lawsuit progresses, it may prompt significant discussions regarding policies and practices in juvenile detention.