Federal lawsuit alleges years of sexual abuse inside Nevada juvenile detention facilities

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Content Warning: This article discusses allegations of sexual abuse involving children and may be difficult for some readers.

A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of 96 former juvenile detainees alleges children were sexually abused inside Nevada’s juvenile justice system over nearly two decades, including at facilities in Clark County.

The 209-page lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court and obtained by News 3, names Clark County, the State of Nevada and numerous current officials as defendants. It alleges staff members sexually abused children in their custody while systemic failures allowed the abuse to continue.

According to the complaint, the allegations span from 2004 through 2022 and involve multiple juvenile facilities across the state, including the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center, Summit View Youth Center, Nevada Youth Training Center, Caliente Youth Center and China Spring Youth Camp.

In a statement to News 3, plaintiffs’ attorney Tim O’Reilly said the lawsuit is ultimately about children who were failed by the very institutions responsible for protecting them.

“This case is about children who were placed in custody and left vulnerable to the very people and institutions responsible for protecting them,” O’Reilly said. “As detailed in the complaint, they were sexually abused, exploited and silenced while confined in Nevada Juvenile Detention Facilities. No child should ever be harmed by adults entrusted with their safety. Our clients are bravely coming forward to seek accountability and justice for abuse that never should have happened. Their courage sends a powerful message to others who have not yet been able to come forward: they are not alone.”

The lawsuit alleges some children were threatened with longer stays in custody, solitary confinement or the loss of privileges if they reported the abuse.

Liz Ortenburger, CEO of SafeNest, said those allegations reflect the unique power imbalance that can exist when adults have authority over children in custody.

“Whether or not you have the power, that youth absolutely believes you have that power to make that happen,” Ortenburger said. “When we create systems of power and control in which vulnerable youth are in a space where they can be assaulted, we have got to make sure we’ve got incredible checks and balances so that those youth are safe.”

One of those safeguards is the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, commonly known as PREA, which establishes standards intended to prevent, detect and respond to sexual abuse inside correctional facilities.

Signs of Hope is the only organization in Nevada with a full-time PREA advocate who works directly with people reporting sexual abuse while in custody.

“They are able to reach out to their PREA advocate and report what has happened to them and receive resources and support,” Signs of Hope CEO Kim Small said. “She’s able to advocate on their behalf and help with the investigation.”

Small said it’s important for the public to understand that being in custody does not strip someone of their rights.

“There are rights. Inmates have rights, and sexual assault is not part of their healing journey,” Small said.

Ortenburger added that reports involving incarcerated youth deserve to be taken seriously.

“I think there’s a real sort of desire to not want to believe youth, particularly incarcerated youth,” Ortenburger said. “It’s important to believe youth. That does not mean we don’t verify — trust but verify.”

The lawsuit seeks damages, along with future medical and mental health treatment for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs are also requesting a jury trial, though it could take years before the case reaches trial.

News 3 reached out to Clark County and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services for comment but had not received a response before deadline.

Resources for survivors

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence, confidential help is available 24 hours a day.

SafeNest

• Call or text: 702-646-4981
• Online chat and additional resources: SafeNest.org

Signs of Hope

• 24-hour hotline: 702-366-1640
• Both organizations provide confidential support, advocacy and referrals for survivors throughout Southern Nevada.