Doctor Edwards / McLaren Youth Correctional Facility Sex Abuse Lawsuit

McLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Oregon was supposed to be a place of rehabilitation. Instead, it’s now the center of allegations of sexual abuse, misconduct, and institutional failure.

In March 2025, 10 former detainees filed a lawsuit naming the Oregon Youth Authority and former Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Edward Gary Edwards, seeking over 50 million in damages. Dr. Edwards, who worked for the Oregon Youth Authority for over four decades, is accused of abusing children as young as 12 years old during medical exams.

Victims say he gropes them and molested them, often under the guise of medical care and sometimes while they were under the influence of drugs administered by the facility. Staff reportedly called him Dr. Cold Fingers, a nickname that referenced his repeated inappropriate behavior.

Despite numerous reports, the abuse continued for years, allegedly enabled or ignored by other staff at the facility. Some victims say they were threatened with further punishment if they spoke up. Others were actively retaliated against, and in the worst cases, staff even used Edward’s abuse as a form of coercion, threatening misbehaving youth with unwanted medical visits.

Edwards died in early 2025, just weeks before the first lawsuits against him were filed. So, while he can no longer face criminal charges, the Oregon Youth Authority can still be held accountable for what happened. If you or someone you know was harmed at McLaren Youth Correctional Facility by Dr. Edwards or any other staff member, you have legal rights and options.

Under Oregon law, survivors of child sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit until their 40th birthday or within 5 years of realizing the abuse caused them harm. And if you are over 18 at the time, the window may still be open depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case. And help may be expanding.

Oregon lawmakers are currently considering House Bill 3582, which would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases against children entirely. That means more survivors may have the chance to step forward. These lawsuits aren’t just about money, they’re about holding institutions accountable, exposing patterns of abuse, and about helping survivors heal.

Here at Helping Survivors, we can connect you with attorneys experienced in these types of cases who can provide a free consultation today. If you choose to move forward, they can represent you on contingency, meaning there are no upfront costs to exploring your rights and options and moving forward with filing a claim.

Please reach out to us today.