WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED IN A WASHINGTON JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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DENNEY JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors Sexually Abused at Denney Juvenile Justice Center (formerly Denney Youth Center) in Washington
The Denney Juvenile Justice Center in Everett, Washington allegedly subjected detained youth to decades of sexual abuse by staff between 1982 and 2012.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that children were sexually abused while in custody at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center in Everett, Washington.
The Denney Juvenile Justice Center is a juvenile detention facility in Everett, Washington, operated by Snohomish County. The facility replaced the former Denney Youth Center in 1998 and has served as the county’s primary detention center for youth since then. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Snohomish County alleging that staff at both the Denney Juvenile Justice Center and the former Denney Youth Center subjected detained youth to sexual abuse, grooming, and invasive searches over several decades, and that the county failed to screen, train, and supervise employees or create safe procedures for youth to report abuse.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at Denney Juvenile Justice Center in Washington
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In July 2026, nine former detainees filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against Snohomish County alleging they were sexually abused by staff at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center and its predecessor, the Denney Youth Center, between 1982 and 2012, when they were between 12 and 18 years old.
The alleged abuse included repeated sexual assaults, groping, forced sexual acts, and unnecessary or invasive strip or body cavity searches.
Staff allegedly entered cells at night, watched detainees shower, and touched them in hallways.
The lawsuit alleges Snohomish County failed to properly screen, train, and supervise employees, and did not create safe procedures for youth to report abuse. Staff allegedly threatened them with longer and worse confinement to coerce them into sexual acts.
- In November 2025, Levy Konigsberg’s colleagues filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against Snohomish County, alleging widespread sexual abuse at Denney Juvenile Justice Center, previously known as Denney Youth Center.
The lawsuit alleged that a dozen former youths who were incarcerated at the facility were subjected to grooming, rape, and other sexual acts by guards and staff members.
Staff allegedly performed invasive strip searches, monitored youths in showers, and spent unsupervised time with them in private areas.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
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
Washington Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Under current Washington state law, survivors of sexual abuse have three years from the date of their abuse, or three years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries (which can include addiction, self-harm, and other mental health issues) and the abuse (or a defendant’s actions that led to the abuse), to file civil lawsuits.
In March 2024, the governor signed into law a bill (House Bill 1618) removing the statute of limitations for civil claims related to child sexual abuse. As a result, for any sexual abuse occurring on or after June 6, 2024, there is no deadline to file.
However, the new law is not retroactive, meaning that it does not apply to sexual abuse that occurred before June 6, 2024. Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred before this time still have three years from the date of their abuse, or three years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries and the abuse or actions that led to the abuse, to file civil lawsuits.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at any Washington juvenile detention centers.
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.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.