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A new federal lawsuit filed earlier this month adds to the growing list of sexual abuse complaints against the Oregon Youth Authority and a facility’s treatment manager at the time, alleging the state failed to protect minors in its custody.
Six men filed the lawsuit, which brings to at least 62, the number of former Oregon youth correctional detainee men that have alleged since March that Dr. Edward Gary Edwards sexually abused them at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, KOIN reported Friday.
The latest plaintiff says the abuse began in 2010 when he was 17 and transferred to the facility for medical care.
Dr. Edwards died in February. He served for roughly 40 years in MacLaren’s medical clinic and was known as “Dr. Cold Fingers” for fondling incarcerated youth with ungloved hands.
According to the new complaint, after an emergency appendectomy the teen attended a follow up visit where Dr. Edwards ordered him to remove all clothing and stand in front of him. The filing alleges the doctor then fondled the teen’s genitals for about 10 minutes, complimented his genitals, and stated that a prior physician “did a good job on his circumcision.”
The plaintiff says that between that appointment and his transfer in February 2016 he was required to see Dr. Edwards approximately 11 more times and that each encounter was similar regardless of the medical reason.
He further alleges he tried to report the abuse to correctional staff but was accused of lying or exaggerating.
“The alleged conduct is abhorrent, and the accusations do not reflect what thousands of trusted adults do each day to help OYA youth become crime free adults,” Oregon Youth Authority Communications Director Will Howell said in an email. “Oregonians can count on OYA to act swiftly and decisively when individuals undermine our work.”
Advocates say the expanding number of filings indicates long standing gaps in oversight and child protection within juvenile corrections. Litigation and investigations continue as additional survivors come forward.
If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse in an Oregon facility, confidential help is available. Learn your legal rights in Oregon and why having an experienced sexual abuse attorney representing you matters.
Complete the confidential, secure form below to initiate your free legal case review.
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