Representing Survivors of Sexual Abuse at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility in San Diego County
Several instances of sexual abuse at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF) have come to light as children share their stories of physical harm. Many survivors come forward years after the abuse occurred, which can make it more challenging to prove the abuse.
However, our sexual abuse attorneys are skilled at holding sexual abusers accountable, even if decades have passed. Injury Lawyer team is here to help you heal. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your legal rights.
Settlements Recovered by Our Legal Team
$15,000,000 for boys who were groomed by a private coach.
$5,000,000 for two men assaulted by a behavioral health specialist.
$4,000,000 for five boys who were abused by a religious leader.
$1,160,000 for a teen who was sexually abused at a detention center.
About East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF)
This detention facility is located in the Otayo Mesa area of San Diego County and serves as the primary booking location for all juvenile detentions in the area. The primary population served is pre-adjudication youth, who remain here before being processed at the San Diego County Juvenile Court.
EMJDF offers behavioral health services, drug and alcohol treatment, training programs, recreation, religious and spiritual services, and medical care. All inmates receive a medical and mental health screening upon intake to determine if any immediate interventions are needed.
East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF) Sexual Abuse Allegations
The East Mesa facility has received multiple complaints from former inmates, alleging that staff sexually abused or harassed them.
San Diego County is facing lawsuits from over two dozen victims who claim that guards and staff would assault them in the showers or their bedrooms at bedtime.
These minors also allege that those who spoke out about the abuse were threatened with extended detention. In some cases, guards stated that they would physically attack the victim or even take their life if they chose to speak out.
The class action lawsuit claims the facility failed to protect survivors from predatory officers and staff. Many survivors stated that when they spoke out about the sexual abuse, their testimony was dismissed or ignored.
In the official complaint, an attorney states that these stories represent “a systemic failure to protect vulnerable minors in our juvenile detention system from egregious sexual misconduct and abuse by the same predator officers and county officials who swore an oath to serve and protect.”
Two came forward to share their stories with CBS, alleging that guards assaulted inmates while their colleagues helped or chose to hide the evidence. One, nicknamed “Paul,” was only 14 when the abuse occurred.
A staff member locked him into a bathroom and demanded that he pleasure himself, responding with anger and threats when he refused to comply. Another staff member was guarding the door so that no one would find out.
An attorney representing the victims stated that “The juvenile justice system has been a natural safe haven for sexual predators with very little oversight, very little investigation into their backgrounds, very little training.”
With multiple incidents across several facilities, it is clear that the San Diego juvenile detention system has subjected underage inmates to serious abuse that can lead to lifelong mental health issues. Reviews demonstrate that conditions remain difficult, including violence against inmates.
A comprehensive inspection by the State of California found numerous issues at this detention facility. In 2023, there were 623 use-of-force events, 368 of which involved pepper spray. Many write-ups about the use of force were missing important context, while others did not explain what interventions had been made before choosing to use force.
EMJDF is supposed to be a place where inmates can receive treatment so that they can lead healthy lives. However, abuse from authority figures, especially at a young age, can lead to permanent mental health struggles. Those who decide to harm children should be held accountable, and our lawyers can help.
How Our Legal Team Can Help Victims of East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF)
The Injury Lawyer Team is here to support survivors and ensure their legal rights are protected. Through our fierce advocacy, we have been able to win millions of dollars for sexual abuse survivors, such as a $1,160,000 settlement for a teen abused at a detention facility.
With San Diego detention center sexual assault lawsuits, we will gather all useful documentation, such as medical records, inspections, witness testimony, and the staff member’s disciplinary record. Next, we will file a complaint and begin negotiating a fair settlement based on previous cases.
Many cases settle with insurance agencies, as the county does not want to risk losing a lawsuit. Using the evidence we have gathered, we will maximize your compensation and fight hard to ensure you receive damages for everything you have suffered.
Our team uses trauma-informed care to ensure your well-being. We will work to reduce the stress of a lawsuit and guide you through the trial if necessary. Through us, you can share your story of abuse at East Mesa,
We can also help you file claims against facilities such as:
In California, childhood sexual abuse survivors have until age 40 to file a lawsuit against the defendant (§340.11). This refers to any abuse that occurred before January 1, 2024.
The delayed discovery rule also ensures that former inmates who were sexually abused have time to file for compensation. This rule tolls, or pauses, the statute of limitations if the person did not know that they had grounds to sue until later (CACI No. 455). In cases of childhood sexual abuse, you have up to five years after the abuse was revealed to file (§340.11).
This is important because many sexual assault survivors may be forced to forget what happened by the abuser or another authority figure. This is called directed forgetting, and it can significantly impact what a person remembers about a traumatic event.
If your case goes to trial, you may be eligible for triple punitive damages under California law (§340.1(b)). This is meant to punish the defendant and ensure that they do not reoffend. Because a jury awards these, you will not receive these damages if you settle with an insurance agency.
Holding East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF) and San Diego County Legally Accountable
Our sexual abuse lawyers will ensure that everyone responsible for your injuries is held accountable. To do so, we will use the legal principle of negligence. These principles use four elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
In essence, this means the defendant had a responsibility to care for you, including intervening if they believed you were being abused. They failed to do so, and this failure was responsible for the harm you suffered. Because of their negligence, you suffered damages, such as psychological harm or lost wages.
Some potential parties to a civil suit include the following:
Perpetrator –The abuser is typically the first party to a suit, as they are directly responsible for the sexual abuse.
Direct Supervisors –Supervisors must regularly check in with their staff and investigate any suspected abuse, taking action whenever necessary. When they fail to do so, they could be liable.
East Mesa Facility –Every individual in a facility must get a background check to ensure they have no history of abuse. Any concerns should be followed up with immediately, and appropriate measures should be taken to protect inmates. When this doesn’t happen, the facility may be sued.
Contracted Service Providers—Sometimes, the perpetrator is not a facility staff member but a contractor, such as a food service worker, teacher, or religious official. Their organization could be held responsible for their actions under what is known as vicarious liability.
Juvenile Justice Commission—This commission is designed to provide oversight for all juvenile facilities, including regular investigations. If it fails to intervene and protect inmates, it can be held responsible.
Probation Department –This is the organization that oversees detention facilities throughout the county. They should be carefully reviewing all inmate records and suspending staff who are suspected of sexual abuse. When they ignore complaints or fail to follow up about concerns, they can be liable.
Eligibility for Filing a Lawsuit
To be eligible for a lawsuit, the abuse must have occurred at the East Mesa facility. The perpetrators must have been staff or affiliated workers, such as janitorial workers, teachers, mental health professionals, or chaplains. There must be some evidence to corroborate your story, even if this is simply testimony from other victims.
You can still file a lawsuit even if the abuser is now deceased. We will sue their estate on your behalf. If this isn’t possible, we can instead pursue damages from their supervisors, organizations, or the state itself.
Additionally, a criminal charge does not need to be filed to file a civil lawsuit because tort law and criminal law are separate systems. While this evidence can support your case, we can find additional information to demonstrate the abuser’s liability.
What Impacts Your Settlement Amount?
Our San Diego sexual abuse lawyers will fight hard to ensure you receive all possible damages. Every case is unique, so there is no guaranteed settlement amount. A variety of factors determine how much survivors could receive from a lawsuit, including the following:
Severity and Nature of Abuse – If you were repeatedly assaulted or suffered life-threatening injuries, you may receive more. Your case can also depend on what type of sexual abuse happened, such as if it was just sexually degrading comments or a penetrative assault.
Frequency – Repeated incidents or long-term sexual abuse will increase liability. This can also implicate others, who should have identified signs of potential abuse and intervened to protect you.
Supporting Evidence – Medical records, witness statements, and documentation like incident reports can all help to demonstrate that you suffered serious harm. The more evidence that is available, the stronger your case will be.
Negligence or Cover-Ups – Under state law, you could receive up to three times your compensation in punitive damages if it can be proven that EMJDF knew about the abuse but did not stop it. For example, other guards or survivors may testify that they spoke up but were silenced or ignored.
Long-Term Effects – Sexual abuse can have devastating and lifelong effects on survivors. Many experience PTSD, general anxiety, depression, or substance abuse issues. Not only do these require medical care, but they also reduce your ability to study, work, or have healthy relationships. By working with experts on sexual abuse, we can estimate your potential damages.
FAQs About EMJDF Sexual Abuse Cases
What if I don’t remember the name of the staff member who assaulted me?
Our sexual abuse lawyers can help secure this information by reviewing juvenile detention facility records or interviewing other inmates. If you can provide a consistent description, we will be able to contact the facility and determine who may have been responsible.
Do I have to appear in court to pursue a legal case for the abuse I experienced?
In many cases, survivors are able to settle a lawsuit out of court. This helps protect them from the stress and trauma that a civil case may cause. If we are not able to settle the lawsuit with the county, we will be there with you every step of the way. We will limit the time that you have to spend in court and provide you with all the support you need to share your story.
Is it possible to file a claim without revealing my identity?
Yes, survivors can file a lawsuit without revealing their identity, especially if they are not yet of legal age. To do so, we will file a petition to allow you to file under a pseudonym, typically “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.” Due to the sensitive nature of a sexual abuse lawsuit and the risk of retaliation, this is usually granted.
Anything that you share with us is protected under law by attorney-client privilege. We can keep your statements, medical records, and testimony private.
I reported the abuse at East Mesa years ago, but no one acted. Can that support my case today?
Yes, this can be very strong evidence proving that the sexual abuse occurred at the time you said it did. Through subpoenas, we will request this information and demonstrate that the lack of follow-up shows that the facility neglected to protect survivors.
I’m overwhelmed and afraid to speak up. How do I even start the process?
We understand that victims may be afraid of speaking up, especially if they fear retaliation from the perpetrator. Filing a lawsuit can also be complicated, and it can be terrifying to share your story with strangers.
However, your journey to healing begins with a simple phone call or message through our contact form. Here, you can share your story and give us a few pertinent details so we can begin reviewing your case.
We will ask you questions such as when you were at EMJDF, who may have been involved, and what kind of injuries you suffered. Next, we’ll investigate your case by speaking to other survivors, interviewing staff, and finding inspection reports. Throughout the process, we will keep you informed of what is happening and offer you resources, such as connecting you with victim advocates.
At Injury Lawyer Team, we prioritize your well-being and safety over anything else. Everything you tell us is confidential, and we work to minimize the emotional trauma that may result from reviewing your sexual abuse.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel
Our California sexual abuse lawyers are passionate about helping survivors heal from sexual abuse. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. To get started with your free consultation, call us at 866-757-6452 or use our online contact form.
