WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED IN AN OREGON JUVENILE DETENTION OR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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MACLAREN YOUTH CORRECTIONAL FACILITY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors Sexually Abused at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Oregon
The MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Oregon was meant to be a safe place for troubled youth to heal and grow. Instead, it has a long and disturbing history of abuse and neglect. Staff members have been accused of grooming and abusing minors, and reports of abuse were often ignored, revealing a pattern of betrayal and failure by the system.
If you or someone you know suffered abuse at MacLaren, you don’t have to face it alone. Levy Konigsberg is here to support survivors, fight for justice, and hold those responsible accountable.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Oregon
Here are some examples of abuse at the facility:
- In August 2026, new court filings in Marion County Circuit Court alleged that the Oregon Youth Authority ignored and concealed reports of sexual abuse by two employees — Dr. Edward Gary Edwards (staff physician at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility for nearly 40 years), and Gerald “Jerry” Vinson, a longtime counselor and group life coordinator.
The filings alleged that OYA received repeated warnings about both men across decades yet kept both employed until their retirements in the 2010s.
According to the filings, OYA conducted an internal review of Edwards in 2017 that substantiated complaints against him, but did not report the findings to law enforcement, and instead allowed him to retire quietly in 2018.
The filings also alleged that OYA destroyed decades of records documenting abuse complaints, including files that would have identified additional victims.
More than 500 survivors have now come forward across the litigation against OYA, with claims exceeding $500 million.
- In July 2025, twelve men filed suit alleging Edwards aka “Dr. Cold Fingers,” abused them at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.
Edwards was the former longtime chief medical officer of MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.
In March 2025, ten former youth residents at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility filed a $51 million lawsuit against the state, alleging they were sexually abused by Edwards.
Edwards allegedly routinely molested the boys with ungloved hands, earning the nickname “Dr. Cold Fingers” among residents.
The victims were allegedly abused between 2000 and 2008 when they were 12–16 years old.
They were allegedly given narcotics and other drugs, groped, touched, masturbated and penetrated on several occasions.
One victim allegedly visited Edwards for a sore throat, but Edwards fondled his genitals with ungloved hands.
The victims allegedly made reports of the alleged abuse by Edwards to MacLaren staff but were ignored.
- In April 2025, several individuals sued the Oregon Youth Authority for sexual abuse they experienced at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. According to the lawsuit, two group life coordinators at the facility groomed, sexually abused and provided nude photos to a 16-year-old resident of the facility while other supervisors and staff members were aware of the abuse. These allegations came shortly after revelations that there was a backlog of thousands of complaints at the youth authority that were never investigated.
- Between 2021 and 2022, former therapist Emily Echtenkamp allegedly groomed and had multiple sexual encounters with a resident.
In December 2023, she was charged with five counts of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct, first-degree official misconduct and filing a false report.
In March 2025, she pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct, first-degree official misconduct and initiating a false report.
The victims further alleged the Oregon Youth Authority knew about the abuse but ignored them.
- In 2022, former staff Cherie MacDougall allegedly groomed and sexually abused a 15-year-old and a 21-year-old resident.
- In 2021, former staff member Amira Andrade allegedly groomed and sexually abused a youth.
- In October 2018, staff at the facility allegedly ignored a youth when he reported that he was sexually assaulted by other youth.
- In 1998, former staff member Frank Milligan allegedly sexually abused a 15-year-old.
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
Oregon Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Under current law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Oregon have until their 40th birthday, or five years from the date they discover that their damages (which can include addiction, self-harm, and other mental health issues) are connected to their abuse, to file civil lawsuits.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at any Oregon juvenile detention and youth residential treatment 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.