Former Staff Reveal Decades of Abuse and Retaliation at New Hampshire Youth Detention Center
Testimonies in a groundbreaking trial detail systemic abuse and a culture of silence at the Sununu Youth Services Center, previously known as the Youth Development Center.
- Testimonies from former staff members reveal a long-standing pattern of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the New Hampshire youth detention center.
- Witnesses describe a hostile environment where complaints of abuse were met with retaliation, including promotions for abusive staff instead of disciplinary actions.
- Over 1,100 former residents have filed lawsuits against the state, alleging abuse spanning six decades, with the state's investigation starting in 2019.
- The trial showcases a conflict as the state attorney general’s office prosecutes former employees while defending the state against abuse allegations.
- Key witness, Karen Lemoine, details her experiences of abuse and intimidation, including threats and dismissal when she attempted to report the misconduct.