A harrowing lawsuit has been filed, shedding light on alleged abuses at a juvenile detention center that have left lasting scars on its victims. Darren Richardson has initiated legal action against Delaware County, Pennsylvania, alleging severe physical and sexual abuse during his time at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center (DCJDC). The complaint was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County on December 17, 2024.
Richardson's lawsuit details a troubling history of abuse at DCJDC, where he claims to have suffered sexual abuse by a staff member referred to as "Abuser John Doe" between 2012 and 2016. He alleges that the abuse occurred when he was just 14 years old and continued over several occasions while under the supervision of Delaware County. The complaint paints a grim picture of systemic failures within the facility, asserting that "a culture not simply of tolerance of abuse, but enthusiasm for abuse" existed among staff members. Richardson accuses Delaware County of negligence in hiring, supervising, and retaining employees who were known or should have been known to pose risks to children.
The allegations are backed by references to past investigations into DCJDC's operations. In March 2021, a report from the Public Defender’s Office exposed widespread misconduct including physical and sexual abuse by staff members. Further revelations came in December 2022 when a grand jury investigation highlighted systemic failures and cover-ups within the facility from 2010 to 2021. The report detailed numerous instances of unchecked violence and sexual misconduct by male staff members towards juveniles.
Richardson's complaint underscores the emotional and psychological trauma he continues to endure due to these experiences. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for his suffering, alongside reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs associated with bringing this action forward. The lawsuit accuses Delaware County of multiple counts including negligence, negligent supervision, gross negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and breach of fiduciary duty.
Representing Richardson is Levy Konigsberg LLP with attorneys John Guinan, Matthew Shock (pro hac vice forthcoming), Anna Kull (pro hac vice forthcoming), and Jerome Block (pro hac vice forthcoming) leading the charge. The case is being overseen by President Judge Kevin F. Kelly under Civil Action No., with additional attention drawn due to its potential implications for other similar cases filed under docket numbers CV-2024-004812, CV-2024-006680, and CV-2024-009249.