The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is facing a wave of lawsuits as ten more men have come forward, alleging they were sexually abused as minors while in state custody at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. This brings the total number of plaintiffs to over twenty, with claims against a former doctor, Edward Gary Edwards, whose actions have sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Ten additional men have filed a $51 million lawsuit against the OYA, alleging sexual abuse by Dr. Edward Gary Edwards.
- The total number of plaintiffs now exceeds twenty, with claims potentially exceeding $100 million.
- Allegations include widespread knowledge of the abuse among staff, who reportedly ignored complaints.
- The OYA has faced significant leadership changes and scrutiny following these revelations.
Background of the Allegations
The latest lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County, accuses Dr. Edwards of abusing boys between 2000 and 2007. Known colloquially as "Dr. Cold Fingers," Edwards was the chief medical officer at MacLaren and had been employed there since 1977. He passed away in February 2025, shortly before the first lawsuit was filed.
The plaintiffs, now in their 30s, allege that they were subjected to inappropriate medical examinations that included groping and fondling. Many reported the abuse to staff members, only to be dismissed or ridiculed. The lawsuit claims that older youths warned newcomers about Edwards, indicating that the abuse was an open secret within the facility.
Systemic Issues Within OYA
The lawsuits highlight systemic failures within the OYA, including:
- Lack of Reporting Mechanisms: Prior to 2005, there was no formal process for reporting and investigating sexual abuse claims.
- Ignored Complaints: Staff reportedly laughed off allegations, perpetuating a culture of silence and fear among the youth.
- Recent Leadership Changes: Following the allegations, the OYA’s director was fired, and the agency has undergone significant restructuring to address these issues.
Legal and Financial Implications
The cumulative financial claims against the OYA now exceed $100 million, with the potential for more lawsuits as additional victims come forward. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs have indicated that they have received hundreds of calls from individuals reporting similar experiences, suggesting that the full extent of the abuse may not yet be known.
Moving Forward
In response to the allegations, the OYA has implemented new safety protocols, including:
- Mandatory Chaperones: An assigned nurse must be present during medical examinations of youth.
- Increased Oversight: The agency has committed to transparency and external audits to ensure compliance with safety standards.
The ongoing legal battles and the revelations of abuse have prompted calls for reform within the OYA, as advocates push for measures to protect vulnerable youth in the system. The situation remains fluid, with more lawsuits anticipated as the investigation continues and more victims come forward to share their stories.
Sources
- 10 more men sue Oregon Youth Authority claiming sexual abuse, KPTV.
- More allegations of widespread sexual abuse at Oregon’s youth prison, Oregon Public Broadcasting – OPB.
- 10 more men sue over alleged sexual abuse at Oregon youth prison, KGW.
- Oregon Youth Authority doctor accused of sex abuse in second lawsuit, Statesman Journal.
- 10 more men sue Oregon Youth Authority claiming sexual abuse, KPTV.
