Three Survivors File Federal Lawsuit Against Maryland Juvenile Detention Centers
Filed in the U.S. District Court of Maryland, the lawsuit accuses former staff and administrators at Thomas J.S. Waxter Children’s Center and Charles Hickey Jr. School of knowingly allowing years of abuse to occur unchecked.
The plaintiffs, identified only as T.B., T.H., and A.W., were minors when they suffered abuse within the facilities. Now legal adults, their complaint details a culture of sexual coercion, where guards allegedly used sex as a means of punishment and control, and survivors were either ignored or actively silenced by those in power.
Allegations of Coercion and Silence
According to the lawsuit, guards frequently exchanged phone time, cigarettes, and candy for sexual acts. A.W. alleges she was 14–15 years old when she was sexually assaulted at Waxter and was never told how to report the abuse. Similarly, T.H. states she was groped by a staff member at the age of 15, also without receiving any guidance on reporting sexual harm.
Legislative Hurdles and Federal Action
The lawsuit arrives amid backlash to changes in Maryland’s Child Victims Act. Originally passed in 2023, the law allowed survivors to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred, treating each instance as a separate case. However, revisions in 2025 capped total compensation and merged multiple instances into a single claim—significantly reducing potential damages.
With those changes in place, survivors like T.B., T.H., and A.W. turned to federal court, where no fiscal caps on damages exist. The lawsuit argues the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights were violated—specifically, their right to bodily integrity.
The suit seeks at least $100 million per survivor, totaling $300 million.
The State's Response
Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services issued a brief statement asserting that it takes allegations of sexual assault seriously and investigates every report. However, it declined to comment further due to the pending litigation.
Survivors Deserve More Than Silence: Help Starts Here
At Helping Survivors, we believe no one should experience abuse, especially under institutional care. If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse in a juvenile detention facility or other state-run setting, you are not alone.
We offer connections to legal professionals, trauma-informed counseling services, and survivor-led resources to help you explore your rights and take meaningful steps toward justice and healing.
Contact Helping Survivors today to learn more about your rights and connect with trusted attorneys.
