New Hampshire agrees to $10 million settlement in youth center abuse case
- Michael Gilpatrick, at the time of his claimed assault in the 1990s, was sent to a state youth detention center where he alleges he suffered severe abuse.
- The New Hampshire attorney general's office reached a $10 million settlement with Gilpatrick, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations and the number of claims being processed.
- The facility has faced intense scrutiny and legal action, leading to its planned closure as part of reform efforts in response to systemic abuse.
In New Hampshire, a significant legal settlement has been reached involving the Youth Development Center, where allegations of severe abuse have surfaced. Michael Gilpatrick made accusations stating he was gang-raped in the stairwell of the facility during his time there in the 1990s when he was just 14 years old. This case represents only one among many, as over 1,300 potential claims are being processed related to abuse suffered by residents at the detention center. Rather than proceeding to trial, both sides opted for a settlement agreement amounting to $10 million, substantially exceeding the cap typically available to victims through the state's settlement fund. This payout, while lower than some jury awards in similar cases, signifies a crucial acknowledgment of the distress and suffering endured by Gilpatrick and potentially many others who were subjected to similar experiences. During the ensuing legal battles connected to these allegations, there has been widespread scrutiny of the practices and staff behavior at the Youth Development Center, revealing a pattern of abuse that included physical violence and sexual assault by staff members. Court documents indicated that Gilpatrick's lawsuit detailed egregious actions by 10 staff members, highlighting a culture of impunity that existed at the facility. The settlement is significant in its implications, as it comes in the wake of multiple arrests linked to former counselors of the center amid an ongoing investigation launched by the New Hampshire attorney general's office in 2019. As of now, eleven former youth counselors have faced legal action, although some cases have been dropped, and others remain unresolved. The emotional toll on victims like Gilpatrick has been profound; many of them have spoken about the lifelong impacts of the abuse, with Gilpatrick himself stating that the trauma led him to live as a “monster” following his time at the center. In light of these troubling revelations, New Hampshire lawmakers have taken action to close the Youth Development Center, which now primarily houses individuals charged with the most serious violent crimes. Plans are being made for creating a smaller facility that is expected to ensure better safety and oversight. The case underscores the need for vigilance in such institutions and the ongoing fight for justice and recognition for survivors of abuse. As more survivors come forward, agencies and institutions are being challenged to reexamine their policies and take steps to prevent future abuses.