Skip to content
Photo credit
The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is facing a $51 million lawsuit after 10 individuals came forward with allegations of sexual abuse while in custody at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. OYA, responsible for the welfare of incarcerated youth, is being accused of failing to protect those in its care, CBS 2 Idaho News reported.
The lawsuit names Dr. Edward Gary Edwards, the facility’s main doctor, as the perpetrator of abuse, which allegedly took place between 2000 and 2008. The plaintiffs, who were between 12 and 16 years old at the time, have been listed under pseudonyms to protect their identities.
According to the lawsuit, Edwards was well-known among both staff and inmates for inappropriate behavior. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs claim he was so notorious that he was given the nickname “Dr. Cold Fingers.”
“The abuse unfolded the same way each time. They would go to Dr. Edwards for an appointment for purported medical treatment. And instead of treatment they would be sexually abused,” said a plaintiff attorney. “And worse than that, we alleged in this lawsuit that at times the MacLaren staff weaponized Dr. Edwards’ abuse of youth. And by that we mean when one of our client’s behavior wasn’t to the staff’s liking, they would threaten them that, hey, if you don’t get in line, we’re gonna send you to see Dr. Cold Fingers.”
The lawsuit alleges that OYA fostered a “culture of silence” regarding abuse and failed in multiple areas, including investigating allegations in a timely manner, properly training staff, and implementing policies to prevent misconduct.
Attorneys believe Edwards had access to more than 10,000 youth who passed through the facility during his tenure. They suspect there are additional victims and at least five other perpetrators who have yet to be publicly identified.
“The repeated sexual exploitation of helpless children in the custody of the Oregon Youth Authority is a stain on our state’s conscience,” Janci stated.
KATU News contacted OYA for a statement, but officials declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Governor Tina Kotek confirmed Thursday that OYA Director Joe O’Leary has been removed from his position. While his termination was linked to a backlog of abuse reports within the agency, it was not directly tied to the lawsuit against Edwards.
O’Leary had been placed on administrative leave on February 14 while an investigation into the agency’s Professional Standards Office was conducted.
“Complaints that come to the PSO must be taken seriously and addressed expeditiously. A backlog is unacceptable,” Kotek previously stated. “Oregon youth in the state’s care rely on us to keep them safe and get this right.”
Jana McLellan, the current interim deputy director, has been appointed as OYA’s acting director until a permanent replacement is found.
