A lawsuit has been filed alleging severe misconduct and negligence at a California youth detention center, where the plaintiff claims to have suffered childhood sexual assault and abuse. On April 3, 2025, John Doe S.D. lodged a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against DOE 1, a public entity, and numerous unidentified defendants referred to as DOES 2 through 100.
The plaintiff alleges that while under the care of the California Youth Authority located in Camarillo, he was subjected to various acts of sexual assault and abuse by other detainees and witnessed or encouraged by staff members. The complaint accuses the defendants of negligence in hiring practices, failing to conduct proper background checks on employees, and neglecting their duty to supervise both minors and staff adequately. John Doe S.D., who was a minor at the time of these incidents, claims that these failures resulted in a breach of mandatory statutory duties intended to protect children from harm.
The allegations extend beyond negligence to include intentional infliction of emotional distress and violations under the Bane Act. The plaintiff asserts that his rights were violated through threats, intimidation, and coercion aimed at suppressing reports of abuse. Furthermore, it is alleged that supervisory staff were aware or should have been aware of ongoing misconduct but failed to take action to prevent further harm.
John Doe S.D. seeks compensatory damages for past and future losses due to psychological trauma resulting from the alleged abuse. The lawsuit demands punitive damages against the defendants for their willful misconduct and seeks statutory damages under relevant civil codes. Additionally, the plaintiff requests attorney's fees and costs associated with bringing this case forward.
Representing John Doe S.D., attorney Andrew M. Morrow III from Downtown L.A. Law Group has filed this case under Case No.: 2O2SCUPPO4A1 591 before the Ventura Superior Court.