The New Hampshire attorney general’s office has reached a significant $10 million settlement in a high-profile case involving allegations of severe abuse at the state’s youth detention center. The case, brought by Michael Gilpatrick, who claims he was gang-raped at the facility in the 1990s, highlights the ongoing issues of abuse within the juvenile justice system.
Key Takeaways
- Settlement Amount: $10 million agreed upon by the state for Gilpatrick’s claims.
- Nature of Allegations: Gilpatrick accused staff members of sexual and physical abuse, including gang rape.
- Historical Context: The abuse occurred during his stay at the Youth Development Center in the late 1990s.
- Legal Proceedings: This settlement avoids a potentially traumatic trial for Gilpatrick, who has already testified in related criminal cases.
- Facility’s Future: The youth center is set to be closed and replaced with a smaller facility.
Background of the Case
Michael Gilpatrick, now 41, was just 14 years old when he was sent to the Youth Development Center in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1997. His lawsuit alleged that he was subjected to horrific abuse by staff members, including being held down and raped in a stairwell. Gilpatrick described the environment at the center as one where he felt trapped and unable to seek help, stating, "There was nobody you could go to at YDC to talk to. You were literally stuck in your own thoughts, in your own fear every single day."
The allegations against the staff members included not only sexual assault but also physical violence, with Gilpatrick referring to a group of staffers as a "hit squad" that would target and abuse residents.
Legal Developments
The settlement comes as part of a broader investigation into the Youth Development Center, which has seen over 1,300 claims of abuse. Gilpatrick’s case was poised to be one of the first to go to trial, but both parties opted for a settlement instead. The $10 million payout is notably higher than the maximum available through the state’s settlement fund for abuse victims, which is four times the usual amount.
In a previous trial, another victim was awarded $38 million, although that verdict is currently under dispute as the state seeks to reduce it significantly.
Implications of the Settlement
This settlement not only provides financial compensation to Gilpatrick but also spares him from the emotional toll of a trial. He has previously testified in criminal cases against former staff members, some of whom have been convicted, while others await trial. The ongoing legal battles reflect a systemic issue within the juvenile justice system that has prompted calls for reform.
Future of the Youth Center
The Youth Development Center, which once housed over 100 children, now serves fewer than a dozen. Lawmakers have approved plans to close the facility, which has been criticized for its handling of youth and the safety of its residents. A new, smaller facility is set to replace it, aiming to provide a safer environment for the most serious offenders.
The case of Michael Gilpatrick serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by youth in detention and the urgent need for systemic change within the juvenile justice system.
Sources
- New Hampshire settles youth center abuse case for $10 million, Boston.com.
- New Hampshire settles youth center abuse case for $10 million, ABC News.
- NH settles youth center abuse case for $10M | New Hampshire, Eagle-Tribune.
