MINNESOTA YOUTH RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS

Fighting for Survivors Abused in Minnesota Youth Residential Treatment Facilities

Youth residential treatment facilities are intended to offer essential support and care for vulnerable children and teens struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. However, disturbingly, facilities in Minnesota have faced investigations uncovering alarming allegations of severe neglect, abuse, and mistreatment of young people entrusted to their care.

If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in any Minnesota youth residential treatment center, contact our experienced attorneys at Levy Konigsberg for help. We can assist you in getting justice and compensation.

History of Sexual Abuse in Minnesota Youth Residential Treatment Centers

Minnesota facilities have faced significant scrutiny over the years regarding the treatment of youth in residential treatment centers, particularly concerning allegations of sexual abuse. There have been reports of sexual abuse, with some facilities facing investigations, lawsuits, and closures due to allegations of staff misconduct, inadequate supervision, and failure to protect vulnerable youth. 

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

Children’s Residential Treatment Center (CRTC)

• In October 2019, Jacob Jamhil Rolf, a 24-year-old former staff member at the Minneapolis Children’s Residential Treatment Center, was charged with criminal sexual conduct in Hennepin County. According to a report by the State Department of Human Services, Rolf allegedly raped a 15-year-old resident at the center earlier that year.

• Jacob Rolf allegedly sexually assaulted the minor resident in a classroom at CRTC in May. The teen reported that Rolf initially forced her to perform oral sex, and when she tried to escape, he raped her. She reported that Rolf used tissues after the incident and disposed of them in a tea bottle, which was later found in a garbage can with his DNA matching the semen on the tissues. 

• As a result, DHS disqualified Rolf from working with children or vulnerable adults in any licensed facility.

Maple Lake Recovery Center

• In March 2019, a female staff member at Maple Lake Recovery Center, a residential treatment center in Wright County, Minnesota, allegedly sexually abused three male teens in her care. Following the incident, the staff member resigned and was subsequently barred by the state from working with or contacting individuals in state-licensed social service programs.

• That was the second time in under three years that state investigators confirmed sexual abuse at the addiction treatment center.

Northwood Children’s Services

• In January 2024, Travis Dean Brown, 28, a former Northwood Children’s Services youth counselor, faced charges of sexually assaulting a teenage client. A criminal complaint claimed Brown had sexual intercourse with the female victim three times between March 2022 and June 2023, when she was 14–15 years old. Brown also allegedly gave her gifts, wrote letters, and dedicated a song to her. He was terminated from his position while the investigation was ongoing.

North Homes Children and Family Services

• In April 2014, Devin Michael Wood, a correctional officer, was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. 

Wood allegedly wrote notes containing graphic sexual content and engaged in several instances of sexual intercourse with the victim.

Mesabi Academy

• In 2012, a boy was allegedly sexually assaulted by Mary Luomanen, an ex-employee at Mesabi Academy.

• In May 2016, APM Reports revealed issues at the facility, such as abuse, neglect, poor staff training, and inadequate government oversight.

From 2007–2016, a St. Louis County investigation found five confirmed cases of child maltreatment, including four physical abuse and one sexual abuse by employees.

In 2007, an inspector found unacceptable conditions. Youth were allegedly sleeping on concrete blocks in an unclean basement with poor lighting, cold food, and rude staff.

• In February 2016, an investigation revealed that staff let youth take part in organized fights called a fight club. 

In February 2016, a staff member allegedly slammed a boy into a wall.

• In 2016, an ex-employee alleged that management ignored serious issues, including an incident where an employee poured cold water on a disabled boy.

• In June 2016, Mesabi Academy closed due to allegations of maltreatment. 

• In March 2017, three ex-residents filed a lawsuit alleging severe abuse, including beatings, rape, and weeks of solitary confinement.

In December 2017, eight former residents alleged physical and mental abuse.

• In April 2021, the families of 17 former residents settled a lawsuit against the facility’s parent company, KidsPeace, for $1.495 million.

Investigating Sexual Abuse at Minnesota Residential Treatment Facilities

Levy Konigsberg is currently examining reports from past and present youth inmates who experienced sexual abuse by staff at residential treatment facilities throughout Minnesota. This investigation covers facilities, whether still operating or closed, including:

• Avanti Center
• Bar None Omegon Pathways
• Bar None ShelterPlus
• Children’s Residential Treatment Center
• Maple Lake Recovery Center
• Northwood Children’s Services
• North Homes Children and Family Services
• Mesabi Academy

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

Minnesota Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Sexual abuse lawsuits, like other claims brought by plaintiffs who seek damages for injuries, are subject to a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. When the statute of limitations expires, victims will not be able to file a claim or recover compensation.

Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. Under Minnesota law, if you were born after May 25, 1989, you may be able to bring a civil claim for childhood sexual abuse at any time.

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

Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Minnesota youth residential treatment facilities.

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.