#USA #Baltimore #Levy Konigsberg #sexual abuse #Maryland Juvenile

New Federal Lawsuit Against Maryland Juvenile Detention Centers

On June 25, 2025, a significant legal action was launched in Maryland, aiming to hold the state's juvenile detention facilities accountable for horrific allegations of sexual abuse. Levy Konigsberg, along with co-counsel, took the lead in filing a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of three survivors who have bravely stepped forward to share their traumatic experiences.

A Call for Justice

The lawsuit emerges amid a backdrop of thousands of pending sexual abuse claims against the State of Maryland in state courts, highlighting a dire need for justice for those victimized in these facilities. The plaintiffs allege that their civil rights were grossly violated by state officials who allowed the abuse to transpire under their supervision at the Thomas J.S. Waxter Children's Center and the Charles H. Hickey School—two notorious facilities in the Maryland juvenile justice system.

Corey Stern, a partner at Levy Konigsberg, stated, "Maryland cannot run from liability under Federal law. The rights to bodily integrity are fundamental, and we will stop at nothing to ensure they are honored, regardless of the actions of state officials." This sentiment underscores the law firm's commitment to seeking justice for abuse survivors in what has been characterized as a systemic failure.

Systemic Failures and Legislative Attempts to Silence

Recent legislative movements by the Maryland government have been criticized for aiming to restrict survivors' rights. Amendments to the state's Child Victim’s Act (CVA) have reduced potential damages for abuse claims filed after June 1. Additionally, efforts to pause all CVA litigation in Maryland highlight a troubling trend that seeks to undermine the rights of survivors.

The lawsuit filed in federal court directly counters these moves, seeking to ensure that survivors are heard and that their rights are protected. With the spotlight on Maryland's juvenile facilities, the case aims to expose the extent of the negligence and complicity that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.

Alarming Allegations

According to the complaint, state officials, including former Secretaries of Juvenile Services and various superintendents, were fully aware of the rampant sexual abuse occurring in these centers. Their inaction and policies reportedly fostered an environment where abuse could occur freely. The plaintiffs’ testimonies reveal a disturbing reality faced by children within Maryland's juvenile justice system, where they endured experiences that no child should ever face.

A Leading Voice in the Fight for Justice

Levy Konigsberg has emerged as a leading advocate in the fight for justice for childhood sexual abuse victims. The firm has already represented over 1,000 survivors in Maryland alone, actively battling for accountability and systemic change. Their efforts have garnered attention from major media outlets, including The Baltimore Sun and the Associated Press, pushing the narrative of abuse into the public eye.

As this legal battle unfolds, the importance of these claims cannot be overstated. This lawsuit represents an essential step toward justice, not only for the three survivors taking action but for all those who have suffered in silence within the state's juvenile detention system.

Conclusion

The federal lawsuit filed by Levy Konigsberg serves as a crucial moment in advocating for the rights and dignity of abuse survivors in Maryland. By challenging the state’s attempts to limit liability and seeking accountability for past atrocities, these brave individuals are not only fighting for justice for themselves but also paving the way for a more just future for all survivors of abuse in the state’s custody. The courage of these survivors is a testament to the ongoing struggle against systemic neglect and the urgent need for reform within juvenile detention practices.