Shocking New Hampshire Youth Center Abuse Scandal Unveiled
Allegations of horrific child abuse at the hands of state employees were heard in a New Hampshire courtroom, where the first of nearly 1,200 civil suits began this month against a state-run youth detention center.
The Start of the Abuse Scandal
The accusations of rape, beatings and forced fistfights against the former Youth Development Center are widespread, and 11 former employees have been criminally charged by the state during a sweeping investigation that began after a former resident reported to police he had been beaten and raped at the center.
Civil Suits Against Negligence
Since David Meehan reported being abused, more than 1,100 civil suits have been filed against the Manchester facility alleging state negligence allowed six decades of abuse. Meehan was the first to file suit and he took the stand for several days this month to testify amid long pauses about the abuse he says he endured.
Legal Battle Continues
The state has argued the statute of limitations has passed in many of the suits, and also claims it is not responsible for the “rogue acts” of employees. Closing statements in the civil trial are expected to begin Thursday.
Complex Legal Dynamics
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office is in an unusual position as it both prosecutes suspects and simultaneously defends the state in the civil cases. In the criminal cases, prosecutors are relying on the testimony of former residents. In the civil cases, state lawyers are trying to undermine the credibility of witness testimony.
Family Testimonies
Meehan’s father took the witness stand this week and testified for the state in his son’s civil suit. Daniel Meehan disputed some of his son’s claims about parental abuse, including allegations that his mother burned his face with cigarettes. The father was asked by Assistant Attorney General Brandon Chase if his son had a “reputation for untruthfulness.” “Yes,” the father replied.
Personal Testimonies
The younger Meehan earlier testified for several days. Meehan, 42, spent three years at the Youth Development Center, where he alleges he was raped, beaten and locked in solitary confinement in the 1990s. He entered the facility at age 14 in 1995.
Seeking Justice
His lawsuit seeks at least $1.9 million in lost income, and additional compensation for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and permanent impairment. The lawsuit alleges the state failed to protect Meehan and enabled abuse by being negligent in hiring, training and supervising employees.
