WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED IN A MONTANA YOUTH RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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YELLOWSTONE BOYS AND GIRLS RANCH SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch in Montana
It takes incredible courage to confront the past, but that courage can change everything. Survivors of alleged abuse at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch are standing up to demand justice. Levy Konigsberg is here to support you every step of the way. Your courage can inspire change, reach out today.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch in Montana
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In July 2025, John Wesley Whiteside, a former Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch employee, was charged with sexually abusing three underage girls at the facility. Whiteside was charged with four felonies and two misdemeanors related to the sexual abuse of minors. According to court documents, after a female resident disclosed inappropriate behavior by Whiteside to a therapist in May 2025, Yellowstone police began investigating Whiteside. A 14-year-old girl alleged that Whiteside wrapped his arm around her and groped her breast. A 15-year-old girl alleged that Whiteside make inappropriate comments to her and once walked in while she was changing and tried to put his hand down her pants. A 16-year-old girl alleged that Whiteside grabbed her backside multiple times and had inappropriate, sexualized conversations with multiple girls. Whiteside reportedly worked at the boys and girls ranch for about a month, from April 2025 through May 2025.
- In July 2018, a Montana jury awarded $300,000 to the mother of a 10-year-old boy. The mother had alleged that Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch failed to protect her son from sexual abuse by other residents. The jury found the Ranch liable for negligent supervision and misrepresentation.
The lawsuit alleged that over a seven-month period, another boy repeatedly exposed himself and acted inappropriately toward the victim. The lawsuit further alleged that the facility’s staff had assured the victim’s mother that they did not accept residents with histories of sexual misconduct.
- In February 2025, Timothy Allen Westervelt, ex-staff at the facility, was charged with felony and misdemeanor counts for allegedly molesting two girls at the facility.
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
Montana Sexual Abuse Attorneys
The statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time you have to start a legal case after something wrong or illegal has happened. Under current Montana law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse typically have until age 27 to file civil lawsuits.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Montana 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.
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.