A new lawsuit filed in D.C. Superior Court is shedding light on troubling allegations of sexual assault at a youth detention center in the District of Columbia. The lawsuit accuses the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and the Youth Services Center (YSC) of ignoring years of sexual abuse at the hands of a former corrections officer, Kelvin Powell, against a then-17-year-old girl. Powell, 63, was convicted last month of 16 felony counts of sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abuse of a ward or prisoner. His sentencing is scheduled for September 2025, where he faces a potential sentence of 15 years or more in prison.
The victim, now 20 years old, has taken legal action in an effort to hold the city accountable for what her attorneys describe as a systemic failure within the juvenile justice system. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and a court order that would compel DYRS to overhaul its officer training and appoint an independent monitor to oversee the conditions at the YSC.
A Pattern of Neglect and Abuse
The lawsuit details the harrowing experiences of the victim, who was locked in a cell while Powell, a corrections officer, was allegedly given unrestricted access to the facility.
According to the lawsuit, Powell’s abuse went unnoticed for an extended period, despite the presence of surveillance cameras at the facility. Attorneys claim that neither the facility staff nor the agency made any meaningful attempts to intervene. It was only when a social worker filed a report with Child and Family Services that the assaults finally stopped.
The case also highlights the broader issues with the juvenile justice system, which has faced growing criticism for years. In addition to allegations of sexual assault, DYRS has been repeatedly accused of allowing violence, drug use, and other abuses to persist at the facility.
Failed Oversight and Systemic Inaction
Despite the conviction, the victim’s legal team claims that the city has yet to take meaningful responsibility for the role it played in enabling Powell’s actions. They noted that, thus far, they’ve received no communication from the city, other than denials of liability.
DYRS Director Sam Abed responded by emphasizing the agency’s commitment to safety and accountability. “DYRS takes the safety of every youth in our care seriously and holds all employees accountable to the highest standards of conduct,” Abed said, maintaining confidence in the judicial process.
However, this response contrasts with a history of failed oversight and reform efforts. In recent years, DYRS has faced several investigations and sexual assault lawsuits, including one from two 16-year-old boys who alleged that the agency’s process for placing juveniles in treatment centers had “entirely broken down.”
In 2024, Mayor Muriel Bowser faced criticism for opposing a bill, sponsored by a D.C. Attorney, that would have mandated further reforms at DYRS. Despite these repeated issues, Bowser has remained a vocal supporter of the agency, calling it a “fantastic agency” even as calls for reform intensify.
Accountability and Next Steps
As the legal battle continues, the parties involved are expected to meet for an initial scheduling conference on September 5. On the same day, Powell is set to be sentenced for his crimes in D.C. Superior Court.
Support for Survivors of Abuse
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual abuse in a youth detention center or in any other setting, it’s important to know that support is available. At Helping Survivors, we are dedicated to helping individuals understand their rights and options. Whether you’re seeking legal guidance or simply need a safe space to talk, our team is here to help you navigate your next steps.
We offer connections to trusted resources, including legal assistance from experienced law firms like Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP, who specialize in cases involving sexual abuse and assault. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey toward justice and healing, Helping Survivors is here to support you.
Contact Helping Survivors today to learn more about your options and the resources available to you.
