WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED AT A WOMEN'S PRISON?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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TACONIC CORRECTIONAL FACILITY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Attorneys Fighting for Women Sexually Abused in Prisons
The New York Adult Survivors Act (ASA) has opened a limited-time lookback window to allow adult survivors of sexual abuse to file civil claims against their attackers. For the women who were incarcerated at Taconic Correctional Facility in New York, the ASA has created what might be the only opportunity to seek justice for past sexual assaults carried out by staff and officers there.
Were you sexually abused?
What is Taconic Correctional Facility?
Taconic Correctional Facility is located in Bedford Hills, New York. It is a medium-security women-only prison. It is primarily operated by the New York State Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision (NYDOCS), which is the party that will be the likely defendant in any Taconic Correctional Facility sexual abuse lawsuits.
Sexual Abuse & Assaults at Taconic Correctional Facility
Although some of the most prominent reports of sexual abuse at Taconic Correctional Facility came to light in recent years, it is a part of the larger Bedford Hills correctional center, which is shared with Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, another women-only prison. The correctional center overall has had reports of sexual abuse dating back decades. Hundreds of women are now coming forward due to past sexual abuse in New York Prisons to file claims under the Adult Survivors Act.
A few of the known sexual abuses and incidents at Taconic include:
- 2012: Officer Frederick Brenyah is found guilty on multiple counts of sex crimes, including the 3rd-degree rape of an inmate.
- 2014: Officer Richard Rodriguez pled guilty to one count of 3rd-degree rape of a female inmate.
- 2017: Officer Jeffrey Green pled guilty to one federal charge of sexual assault against an inmate.
- 2018: Officer Garth Trail pled guilty to one count of a 3rd-degree criminal sexual act involving a Taconic inmate in 2017.
No Available Consent Defense
Importantly, New York laws prevent an inmate from giving consent for sexual activities with a person with authority over them, such as a prison staff member or correctional officer. Due to this statute, all sexual acts between an inmate of Taconic and a worker of the prison – including wardens, officers, administrators, contracted workers, volunteers, etc. – can constitute sexual assault due to the lack of consent. Therefore, Taconic and the NYDOCS cannot try to argue consent as a defense.
New York Juvenile Detention Center Attorneys
A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.
In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under current law: (1) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at privately operated juvenile detention centers who were born after February 14, 1998, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits; and (2) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at juvenile detention centers operated by governmental entities, who were born after November 15, 1999, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits.
In addition, on January 29, 2026, the New York City Council enacted Introduction 1297, an amendment to the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA). Introduction 1297 reopens the GMVA lookback window for 18 months. As a result, survivors with previously time-barred claims for sexual abuse that occurred in New York City and prior to January 9, 2022 can file lawsuits between January 29, 2026 and July 29, 2027. Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred in New York City and on or after January 9, 2022 have seven years to bring their claims.
Thus, there may be new avenues to seek justice for previously time-barred claims of abuse at New York juvenile detention centers. If you were sexually abused at a New York juvenile detention center at any time, reach out today.
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 women's prison staff member.
- The abuse occurred at any women's prison.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold women's prisons, 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 female inmates.
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
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
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.