SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington state has agreed to pay $16.5 million to settle lawsuits brought by 12 boys who were subjected to "rampant sexual and physical abuse" while under state care.
According to a statement, the boys were placed under state care at the J Bar D Boys Ranch from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Ranging in age from 10 to 15 at the time, they experienced sexual and physical abuse from staff and residents "with known deviant behavior."
The lawsuit filed in Thurston County Superior Court said child welfare officials knew, or should have known, that the children were being abused. Darrell Cochran, one of the lawyers representing the 12 boys, called the case "one of the darkest chapters in state social work history."
"Children were repeatedly raped, cattle prodded, dragged behind horses and other terrors," Cochran said. "They were threatened if they spoke out. And those who were supposed to be watching over them were instead destroying their lives.”
On top of failing to investigate the abuse at the ranch, Cochran's team also reported the state failed to make mandatory licensing investigations, verify qualifications of staff and investigate the conditions at J Bar D to determine whether it was a safe place for the children.
In addition to the unchecked abuse, J Bar D Staff Psychologist Dave Goodwin was found to have embezzled at least $100,000, spending it on vacations, vehicles, heavy equipment and an airplane. On top of this, Goodwin is accused of knowingly overcharging the state for care and services not provided.
Cochran said the suit and settlement are critical steps in preventing future abuses.
"This trial and settlement is a significant step in their healing journeys that will hopefully help bring some closure to them all," Cochran said.
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