A New York teen has taken legal action, alleging he was raped more than 30 times by a counselor at a juvenile detention facility.
According to Daily Mail, the lawsuit names the counselor and other staff at the Brookwood Youth Facility in Claverack, NY, for negligence and failing to protect him.
The Brookwood Youth Facility, located approximately 114 miles from Manhattan, became the setting for these grievous accusations. The plaintiff was just 17 years old when he first entered the facility and is now 21.
Maya Hayes, the counselor involved, held an associate psychologist position. The alleged abuse began three months after the victim's arrival, taking place during what were supposed to be routine counseling sessions in Hayes' office.
Teen Describes Manipulation and Exploitation in the Lawsuit
The young man recounts instances where the abuse was not only physical but also psychological. According to his allegations, Maya Hayes coerced him and his parents into making $100 payments via CashApp, misleading them to believe the payments were for his basic needs like food and hygiene products.
This manipulation seemed part of a larger pattern of control and exploitation. The lawsuit quotes the teen stating that Hayes "used her position of trust to her depraved benefit, aiming to sexually exploit as many children as possible." This accusation points to systematic abuse under the guise of counseling.
Facility Staff Allegedly Ignored Ongoing Abuse
The lawsuit alleges staff at the facility were aware of the ongoing abuse. Not only did they fail to intervene, but they also reportedly mocked the victim, exacerbating his ordeal. Comments from staff suggesting they knew about the interactions between Hayes and the teen have compounded the gravity of the accusations.
Evan Brustein, the attorney representing the victim, has pointed his finger at the staff, stating, "The responsibility lies with New York State employees who knew the sexual abuse was happening and enabled it." His statement underscores the alleged negligence on the part of the facility's administration and staff. Moreover, Maya Hayes was arrested in April on multiple charges including 65 counts of criminal sexual acts in the third degree and rape, to which she has pleaded not guilty.
Other Victims Come Forward in the Wake of Revelations
It appears that this case has opened the door for other alleged victims of Hayes to come forward. They, too, are represented by Brustein, suggesting a potential pattern of abuse that could have broader implications for the facility's management and oversight practices.
In a distressing recount of his experiences, the victim expressed his despair and sense of betrayal, saying, "I was sexually assaulted for months by my psychologist while youth development specialists and administration knew and did nothing to stop it."
The nickname 'Big Foot', assigned to Hayes, is a peculiar detail in the narrative. It remains unclear why she was referred to this way, though it has become a haunting moniker in the context of these allegations.
Detailed Accusations Include Psychological Manipulation
Adding to the complexity of the case, Hayes allegedly shared with the teen that she had "dreamed about him" and mentioned a past similar relationship with another detainee which left her heartbroken. These statements, if true, could illustrate a troubling breach of professional boundaries and psychological manipulation.
The ongoing legal battle seeks unspecified damages, with the victim and his family demanding accountability and justice. The unfolding of this case will be closely watched, as it highlights critical issues about the safety and governance of juvenile detention facilities.
As proceedings continue, the legal and public scrutiny will likely intensify, focusing not just on the individuals directly involved but also on the systems that allowed such abuses to occur. This case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities of detained youth and the paramount importance of safeguarding their well-being in state-run facilities.
