Hundreds sexually abused at Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in west Chicago: lawsuit

CHICAGO (WLS) — A new lawsuit alleges hundreds of people were sexually abused at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center on Chicago’s Near West Side.

The allegations go back decades.

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Alternatives to juvenile detention did not come in time for some, the new lawsuit states.

“Many of our clients have been raped, many of our clients have been forced to perform oral sex or sexual acts,” said attorney Jerome Block.

“We have children who have been abused hundreds of times, not just one incident, but hundreds of times. This is a systematic failure,” said attorney Todd Matthews.

A lawsuit filed by nearly 200 men and women alleges sexual abuse at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center since 1995.

A second lawsuit against the state alleges that the chief judge’s office failed to take steps to protect children as young as nine while waiting for their cases to be heard.

SEE ALSO: 3 survivors of alleged child abuse in Illinois juvenile detention centers tell their stories

“Three co-workers took advantage of my fear and confusion and sexually assaulted me. It’s not something I like to talk about or even think about,” said Temarkus Washington. “I want to change the world for the next generation and make sure what happened to me never happens to anyone again.”

These complaints come after two other civil lawsuits were filed alleging sexual abuse in Illinois state youth centers spanning decades.

“Instead of getting help, I was abused and mistreated by detention center staff,” said Shamika.

In total, the lawyers represent nearly 400 people who claim to have survived the abuse.

“I tried to report it to other staff, but they intimidated me and silenced me. If I was nervous before, I was now terrified,” said Phillip Goodwin.

Half were reportedly located at the Cook County facility.

“I call on the Chairman of the Cook County Board and the Office of the Chief Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court to close this facility,” Block said.

The state, the president and the presiding judge of the Cook County Board declined to comment on pending litigation.

But the Cook County Chief Judge’s Office recently announced grants to create alternative juvenile detention centers, called Community Centers of Care.