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Lawsuits allege widespread sex abuse at juvenile detention centers in Western Pa.
3 lawsuits claim rampant sex abuse went unchecked at facilities in the regionPittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2024/07/23/sex-abuse-abraxis-george-junior-republic-summit-academy/stories/202407230064
A trio of lawsuits filed in Allegheny County allege decades of systematic sexual abuse at non-profit juvenile detention centers across western Pennsylvania.
The complaints filed in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas Monday represent 92 men and women who allegedly suffered “horrific and serial” sex abuse while confined at Summit Academy in Butler, George Junior Republic in Grove City and Abraxas Youth and Family Services, which has facilities in Pittsburgh, Erie, South Mountain, Pa. and Marienville, Pa.
The abuse the lawsuits allege — which spans from 2000 to 2023 — ranges from inappropriate strip searches to rape. The juvenile detention facilities were aware of the “culture of abuse,” but “turned a blind eye,” the court filings allege.
Jason Luckasevic, the attorney representing the alleged victims in all three lawsuits said he believes there are many more victims across the state — approximately a dozen more have come forward and contacted his office in the 24 hours since the cases were filed, he said.
- more at link -
The complaints filed in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas Monday represent 92 men and women who allegedly suffered “horrific and serial” sex abuse while confined at Summit Academy in Butler, George Junior Republic in Grove City and Abraxas Youth and Family Services, which has facilities in Pittsburgh, Erie, South Mountain, Pa. and Marienville, Pa.
The abuse the lawsuits allege — which spans from 2000 to 2023 — ranges from inappropriate strip searches to rape. The juvenile detention facilities were aware of the “culture of abuse,” but “turned a blind eye,” the court filings allege.
Jason Luckasevic, the attorney representing the alleged victims in all three lawsuits said he believes there are many more victims across the state — approximately a dozen more have come forward and contacted his office in the 24 hours since the cases were filed, he said.
This article includes several shocking stories about abuse of underage kids (mostly in their teens) and therefore the victims' names are not mentioned. Attorney Luckasevic continues to be contacted by additional victims who are now young adults and no longer staying at the facilities.
