Victims of Alleged Child Sex Abuse at Illinois Detention Facilities Speak Out

Tiffany Meyer, three men who say they were victims of sexual assault at Illinois Juvenile Detention Centers, have stepped forward with their stories. They're among 95 men and women who are suing the state. Entity's Jason Blair has more. The lawsuit was filed on Monday and alleges widespread abuse of children at Illinois youth detention centers that spanned over decades. The sexual abuse at Illinois youth centers has been going on for far too long. Blocks said at a press conference on Tuesday that the cases in the lawsuit spanned 21 years from 1996 to 2017. Co-attorney in the lawsuit, Todd Matthews, said the acts were carried out by guards, administrators, staff, and other employees of the state of Illinois. The incidents involved all types of horrific sexual abuse. Many of the plaintiffs say they were threatened or rewarded to keep quiet. Ten of the 95 men and women who filed the lawsuit appeared at the news conference. One plaintiff said his experience led to decades of mental anguish and confusion. Upon my arrival, I met a predator, a chaplain employed in the youth center, who said I could trust him. I was victimized and sexually abused. I was preyed upon by a dangerous man who held a position of power over me during my time at IYC Harrisburg. The lawsuit alleges Illinois failed to supervise, discipline, remove, or investigate alleged abusers and enabled the abuse to continue. The lawsuit follows similar complaints at youth detention centers in New Jersey, California, Maryland, and others. Spokespeople for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and the two corrections agencies named in the lawsuit have said that the alleged incidents took place under former administrations and that any allegations of staff misconduct are thoroughly investigated. The lawsuit seeks $2 million per plaintiff. Jason Blair, NTD News.