In New Hampshire, a case involving alleged abuse at the Sununu Youth Services Center has reached its conclusion with jurors hearing closing arguments. The plaintiff, David Meehan, claimed to have been beaten, raped, and held in solitary confinement on a routine basis. More than 1,000 former residents have come forward with similar allegations, leading to the arrest of 11 former state employees. Meehan’s lawyer has suggested a settlement of over $200 million, equating to $1 million per alleged sexual assault at the facility. The case seeks to hold the state accountable for the abuse suffered by Meehan and others at the youth detention center.
Meehan’s lawsuit, which was the first to be filed and go to trial, detailed the brutality he experienced during his time at the Manchester facility in the 1990s. He described being violently raped by a staffer at the age of 15 and the abuse he endured from another staff member who he initially trusted. Witnesses, including former residents and staffers, corroborated his claims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Meehan’s attorneys emphasized the state’s negligence, which they argued fostered a culture of abuse marked by brutality, corruption, and a code of silence.
The state’s attorney countered these claims, stating that Meehan’s case relied on “conjecture and speculation” and that there was no evidence of widespread abuse at the facility. She argued that no liability should be assigned to the state and that the allegations were based on conspiracy theories rather than concrete evidence. Witnesses for the defense, including Meehan’s father, testified to challenge Meehan’s credibility. A longtime youth center principal testified that he saw no signs of abuse over four decades, while a psychiatrist diagnosed Meehan with bipolar disorder rather than post-traumatic stress disorder.
In his closing argument, Meehan’s lawyer emphasized the impact of the abuse on his client, highlighting the long-lasting trauma and psychological damage inflicted on him. Despite the state’s attempts to undermine Meehan’s credibility, his testimony will be crucial in prosecuting the criminal cases against the alleged perpetrators. The attorney general’s office, which is defending the state in the civil lawsuits, is also responsible for prosecuting those accused of abusing residents at the youth detention center. The case has shed light on the need for accountability and justice for those who have suffered abuse in institutional settings.
Overall, the case revolving around abuse at the Sununu Youth Services Center has brought attention to the systemic issues within the facility and the failure of the state to protect its residents from harm. The allegations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse have sparked a significant legal battle, with the plaintiff seeking a substantial settlement to compensate for the trauma endured. The outcome of the case will have far-reaching implications for the state of New Hampshire and the broader conversation around accountability and justice for survivors of abuse in institutional settings.
