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Photo: MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn, Oregon, via Wikimedia Commons.
Oregon has reached a settlement with 11 men who say they were sexually abused as boys by a longtime doctor at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, Oregon Live reported.
The men alleged that Dr. Edward G. Edwards sexually abused them during medical exams while they were confined at the youth prison. Edwards worked at MacLaren for about 40 years and was responsible for conducting intake medical examinations for boys entering the facility. Pasted text
The settlement was reached shortly before a civil trial scheduled for Nov. 2. Its terms have not been disclosed.
Records Show Years of Complaints About the Doctor
The settlement followed pretrial discovery that uncovered repeated complaints about Edwards dating back to the 1990s.
Court records cited in the litigation show that at least 16 written reports were made between the 1990s and 2017 alleging inappropriate touching during medical exams, including genital and anal contact without gloves or medical justification. Pasted text
The lawsuits allege that Oregon Youth Authority officials frequently handled complaints internally rather than reporting them to law enforcement or child protective services.
In 2009, Edwards reportedly acknowledged to agency officials that he had touched boys’ genitals without gloves for decades. According to court records, he was not disciplined and the complaints were not reflected in his performance reviews.
Survivors may have legal options when an institution failed to respond to warning signs, report suspected abuse or protect children in its care.
Learn more about Oregon sexual abuse claims, filing deadlines and legal options.
Boys Who Complained Say They Were Dismissed or Threatened
Several men who sued said that when they complained as youths, they were told to endure the exams or were threatened with solitary confinement if they continued raising concerns. Pasted text
Former employees also described efforts to raise concerns internally.
A MacLaren nurse testified that she reported allegations multiple times during the 1990s but never became aware of an investigation. In 2001, another employee prepared a report documenting complaints from two boys who alleged Edwards touched their genitals without gloves and threatened them when they resisted. That report was never completed after a supervisor allegedly said the agency would handle the matter internally.
Complaints Reached the Medical Board and State Police
Some concerns were eventually reported outside the facility.
In 2001, several MacLaren employees filed a complaint with the Oregon Medical Board describing Edwards’ alleged practice of conducting genital examinations without gloves. One of those employees later said staff risked their careers by reporting him and that no meaningful action followed.
State police also investigated allegations involving Edwards on multiple occasions.
One investigation began after a 2005 report that a youth was subjected to repeated genital examinations regardless of the medical reason for his clinic visit. Another boy filed a grievance in 2006 saying he felt sexually violated during an exam conducted without gloves or a chaperone. Neither investigation resulted in criminal charges.
In 2007, Edwards was placed on paid leave after another boy reported that the doctor grabbed his penis during an exam. By that point, court filings cited more than 15 written complaints and additional verbal concerns spanning years.
State police ultimately determined there was not enough evidence to prosecute. According to court filings, Oregon Youth Authority then failed to conduct the separate internal investigation required by its own policies.
More Than 60 Other Former MacLaren Youths Have Filed Lawsuits
The settlement resolves claims brought by 11 men, but it does not end the litigation involving Edwards and MacLaren.
More than 60 other former MacLaren residents are represented in six separate federal lawsuits that remain pending, according to court records.
Edwards died in February 2025 at age 87.
Oregon Youth Authority Says It Has Made Reforms
Oregon Youth Authority said it could not comment on the settlement or ongoing litigation but said it has taken steps to improve safety and accountability.
Among the changes, the agency says staff now receive mandatory active-bystander training, its Professional Standards Office has been strengthened, and it has increased coordination with state police and the Department of Human Services. The agency also recently created a performance and accountability program that tracks safety metrics and reports them to executives each month.
The lawsuits, however, focus on whether state officials had enough information years earlier to recognize the risk and intervene before additional youths were allegedly harmed.
Related Coverage:
Former Oregon Youth Authority Staff Allege Years of Warnings About Sexual Abuse Were Ignored
Oregon Youth Prison Doctor, “Dr. Cold Fingers,” Faces New Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
More Lawsuits Filed Against Oregon Youth Authority as Abuse Allegations Mount
Oregon Youth Authority Lawsuit: 10 More Men Sue Over Alleged Abuse by State Doctor
Oregon Youth Authority Hit with $51 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Abuse at Juvenile Facility
Oregon Youth Authority Lawsuit: More Abuse Allegations Emerge
