JUVENILE MEDIUM SECURITY FACILITY (JOHNSTON) SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS

Fighting for Survivors Sexually Abused at the Juvenile Medium Security Facility (Johnston) in New Jersey

The history of abuse at JMSF is undeniable, but the future doesn’t have to mirror the past. If you or someone you know suffered sexual abuse at JMSF or other facilities, reach out to Levy Konigsberg today. Together, we can challenge the systems that failed you and demand the justice you deserve. Don’t wait, your voice matters now more than ever.

History of Child Sexual Abuse at the Juvenile Medium Security Facility (Johnston) in New Jersey

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

• In June 2024, Levy Konigsberg filed a lawsuit on behalf of eight men and women who suffered sexual abuse during their confinement as juveniles at the Juvenile Medium Security Facility (“JMSF”), the Juvenile Female Secure Care and  Intake Facility (“Bordentown”), and Albert Elias Residential Community Home (“Albert Elias”) at the Johnstone Campus in Bordentown, NJ, as well as at Costello Prep Residential Community Home (“Costello”) in Tabernacle, NJ.

As detailed in the complaint, there is a well-documented history of child abuse at JMSF, Bordentown, Albert Elias, and Costello, with reports of abusive practices dating back decades. Indeed, the State was sued in 2000 for its failure to protect a 14-year-old girl from sexual assault by a guard at JMSF while she was housed there between 1996 and 1997. In 2002, a JMSF officer was convicted of molesting two female inmates in early 2001, one of whom was only 15 years old at the time. And in 2010, the United States Department of Justice issued a report finding that New Jersey has some of the highest rates of sexual abuse among juvenile detention facilities nationwide and that much of this abuse goes unreported. As a result of the State’s failures, children suffered sexual abuse at the hands of guards and other staff members at JMSF, Bordentown, Albert Elias, and Costello, who were responsible for their care.

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 Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorneys

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations previously imposed a strict deadline for victims of sexual abuse to file claims or seek compensation. However, recognizing the lasting impact of sexual abuse and the obstacles survivors face in pursuing justice, the state enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019. This landmark legislation significantly extended the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse cases. The law provides more opportunities for victims to seek justice and compensation, acknowledging the complexities and challenges associated with reporting and prosecuting sexual abuse.

Under New Jersey law, specifically NJ Stat. § 2A:14-2a, survivors of sexual abuse now have an extended timeframe to pursue legal action.  Childhood sexual abuse victims can file civil claims until age 55 or seven years after recognizing the trauma, whichever is later. This allows survivors to seek justice against their abusers and any liable institutions. For those sexually abused as adults (age 18 or older), the deadline to file a civil lawsuit is seven years from the incident of abuse.

Seeking legal guidance is crucial when navigating the complexities of the statute of limitations. Your attorney can review your case, explain the statute of limitations to you, and assist you in determining if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.

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.