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The Independent
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Federal lawsuit adds to allegations of child sexual abuse in Maryland youth detention centers
A federal lawsuit could open a new chapter in an escalating legal battle in Maryland, where officials are struggling to address an unexpected onslaught of claims alleging child sexual abuse in state-run juvenile detention facilities. With thousands of similar claims already pending in state court, the litigation has raised questions about how Maryland will handle the potential financial liability. The new federal suit, filed Wednesday on behalf of three plaintiffs, seeks $300 million in damages — an amount that far exceeds caps imposed on claims filed in state court. It alleges Maryland juvenile justice leaders knew about a culture of abuse inside youth detention facilities and failed to address it, violating the plaintiffs' civil rights. Messages seeking comment were left Thursday with the state's Department of Juvenile Services and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. The department generally doesn't comment on pending litigation. An estimated 11,000 plaintiffs have sued in state court, according to the attorneys involved. Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson said Wednesday that he believes negotiations for a potential settlement are ongoing between attorneys for the plaintiffs and the attorney general's office. Officials have said the state is facing a potential liability between $3 billion and $4 billion. Lawsuits started pouring in after a state law passed in 2023 eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims in Maryland. The change came in the immediate aftermath of a scathing investigative report that revealed widespread abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. It prompted the archdiocese to file for bankruptcy to protect its assets. But Maryland leaders didn't anticipate they'd be facing similar budgetary concerns because of claims against the state's juvenile justice system. Facing a potentially enormous payout, lawmakers recently passed an amendment to limit future liabilities. The new law reduces caps on settlements from $890,000 to $400,000 for cases filed after May 31 against state institutions, and from $1.5 million to $700,000 for private institutions. It allows each claimant to receive only one payment, instead of being able to collect for each act of abuse. Suing in federal court allows plaintiffs to sidestep those limits. 'Despite Maryland's recent unconstitutional legislative efforts to insulate itself from liability for the horrific sexual brutalization of children in its custody, Maryland cannot run from liability under Federal law,' plaintiffs' attorney Corey Stern said in a statement. 'The United States Constitution was created for all of us, knowing that some would need protection from the tyranny of their political leaders.' The three plaintiffs in the federal case allege they were sexually abused by staff at two juvenile detention centers. While other lawsuits have mainly presented allegations of abuse occurring decades ago, the federal complaint focuses on events alleged to have happened in 2019 and 2020. The plaintiffs were 14 and 15 years old. The victims feared their sentences would be extended if they spoke out, according to the complaint. They accuse state officials of turning a blind eye to a 'culture of sexual brutalization and abuse.' Stern said he anticipates more federal claims will be forthcoming.
CBS News
29-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Teen arrested for more than 100 thefts from cars in Maryland
A 16-year-old was arrested for more than 100 cases of theft from cars in multiple Maryland counties, according to Laurel Police. Police said the teen was taken into custody during a search of his Beltsville home. 100+ thefts from cars in Maryland According to officers, the 16-year-old was linked to nearly 121 thefts from cars that occurred on May 4 in the Laurel area. He was found with the keys to a stolen car that was used in the crimes, along with keys to 25 other vehicles and other stolen items. Teen released after arrest During a news conference on Wednesday, May 28, Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill said officers requested the teen be held due to the extensive crimes. However, the state Department of Juvenile Services advised that the teen be released as he did not have a criminal record and these were not violent crimes, according to Hamill. "So yes, five hours after we were at his house, he was released back into the community," Chief Hamill said. "Back into the environment that allowed him to be out roaming the streets in all of these counties late at night and in the early morning, doing these crimes to begin with." Hamill went on to express his frustration with the juvenile justice system in Maryland. "I have little hope there will be further accountability for him due to this broken system, due to this gap in the concern for his safety and the public safety," Hamill said. During the Wednesday press conference, police said they identified two other suspects in the thefts, and they would be taking them into custody. Decrease in Howard County car break-ins Despite the teen's alleged thefts, Howard County recorded a 25% dip in car break-ins so far in 2025. On April 12, police said 193 car break-ins had been reported compared to 260 during the same time in 2024. "Occasionally, one person or a group of people will be active for a period of time and hit many vehicles – which is why it may seem as though there's an increase," Howard County Police Public Information Officer Seth Hoffman told WJZ in April.
