BERNALILLO ACADEMY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS

Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Bernalillo Academy in New Mexico

Bernalillo Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been accused of serious child abuse and neglect. State investigators found major failures in supervision, hiring, and safety that put vulnerable children at risk. If you or a loved one suffered abuse at Bernalillo Academy, contact Levy Konigsberg today to pursue justice.

History of Sexual Abuse at Bernalillo Academy in New Mexico

Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:

• In June 2024, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released a sweeping report detailing abuse at residential treatment facilities operated by major healthcare companies, including Sequel Youth and Family Services, the parent company of Bernalillo Academy. The report revealed systemic sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, unsafe conditions, inhumane confinement practices, and neglect throughout these facilities.

• In December 2021, the Bernalillo Academy was ordered to shut down by state officials after an investigation by the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) revealed numerous cases of staff-on-child abuse. The facility surrendered its license on December 1, ahead of the planned closure on December 22.

The investigation revealed inadequate background checks, unqualified staff, and abuse by staff, including inflicting injuries by whipping children with tree branches. There were also reports of unaddressed physical aggression and sexual harassment among residents. The situation was reportedly so severe that some of the children expressed feelings of abandonment and fear for their safety from sexual abuse by fellow residents. 

The facility was handling severe developmental and behavioral issues in children and teens, making the allegations even more concerning.

• In December 2021, in a news report, an attorney from Disability Rights New Mexico, part of a federally authorized network of protection and advocacy organizations, condemned the conditions at Bernalillo Academy, calling them “horrific.” The facility, which cared for children as young as 4, was plagued by reports of physical abuse, with kids often sporting bruises, bite marks, and other visible injuries. Furthermore, investigators uncovered a disturbing lack of supervision, allowing children to harm and sexually exploit each other without intervention.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:

• You were sexually abused by a guard, counselor, nurse, or other youth residential treatment or juvenile detention center staff member.
• The abuse occurred at any youth residential treatment or juvenile detention facility.

Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold youth residential treatment facilities,  juvenile detention centers, private healthcare companies, and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect young residents.

As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:

• Your abuser is no longer alive.
• Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.

Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims

In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:

• Past medical and mental health expenses
• Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish and psychological harm
• Lost income
• Other economic and non-economic damages

New Mexico Sexual Abuse Attorneys

The statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse lawsuits sets a deadline for victims to bring New Mexico child abuse claims against their abuser.   Survivors of child sex abuse can file until age 24 or within three years of disclosing the abuse to a healthcare provider or counselor, whichever occurs later.

However, a proposed bill (HB 73) introduced in 2025 offers hope for change. This bill would provide better opportunities for victims to seek justice if passed. If passed, the bill would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases and open a permanent revival window for victims whose claims expired under the current statute of limitations.

Levy Konigsberg's experienced attorneys can help evaluate claims under these laws, including those for abuse that occurred years or even decades ago, and explain your rights and options.

We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers and youth residential treatment facilities. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.