Seven years ago, David Meehan revealed to his wife the haunting words, 'They raped me,' sparking a significant criminal investigation into the Sununu Youth Services Center in New Hampshire. Originally established in the 1850s as a 'house of reformation,' the center has come under intense scrutiny due to allegations of abuse spanning six decades.
Eleven former state workers are facing criminal charges, with nearly 1,200 lawsuits filed by former residents against the state. The first lawsuit, initiated by Meehan, is set to go to trial this week after being filed four years ago.
Meehan, who was 14 when he was sent to the Youth Development Center in 1995, claims he endured severe abuse, including beatings, repeated rapes, and solitary confinement over three years. His lawsuit seeks compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and accuses the state of negligence in hiring and supervising employees.
The state, however, denies these allegations, arguing that it is not responsible for the criminal actions of 'rogue' employees. Additionally, the state disputes the severity of Meehan's injuries and questions the timing of his disclosure.
On the criminal front, ten men have been charged with sexually assaulting teenagers at the detention center between 1994 and 2007. Another man faces charges related to a pretrial facility in Concord. The trial is expected to last weeks, shedding light on the complex legal battle between the state and the victims.
Despite the criminal charges, Judge Andrew Schulman emphasized that the outcome of the criminal trials does not impact Meehan's civil case. He cautioned against emotional appeals in court, emphasizing the need for a fair and factual legal process.
The trial marks a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice for Meehan and other victims, highlighting the challenges of holding institutions accountable for past wrongdoings and ensuring a safe environment for vulnerable youth.
