Nine new plaintiffs join Denney lawsuit, say county “sustained a culture of abuse”
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#WAstate–Hagens Berman attorneys filed a new lawsuit this week against Snohomish County alleging sexual abuse of incarcerated minors at Denney Youth Center or Denney Juvenile Justice Center.
The new filing details ongoing abuse, disclosed by nine new plaintiffs: “Rather than protect these children and teenagers, Snohomish County sustained a culture of abuse through a variety of harmful practices that harmed the child inmates.” These practices include invasive and sexualized strip and/or cavity searches, and the county’s refusal to take any action to protect the children following their reports of abuse. Seattle-based Hagens Berman now represents 21 formerly incarcerated youth in the lawsuit, in addition to a tandem lawsuit brought against the facilities on behalf of employees who were retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment.
“The accounts of our clients are truly heartbreaking, and we are fighting to uphold their rights to justice and recourse in light of these shocking practices right here in Snohomish County,” said Jacob Berman, attorney representing minor plaintiffs in the case. “Our case against the county is growing, and we look forward to holding accountable those responsible for this ongoing and pervasive pattern of behavior.”
New Plaintiffs Step Forward
The new complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on July 7, 2026, against Snohomish County, who owned and operated the youth detention facilities, and up to 20 unnamed individuals also alleged to be responsible. Plaintiffs bringing the new complaint range in age as young as 12 and experienced “painful and humiliating” abuse.
Documented abuse in the lawsuit includes repeated assault, highly inappropriate sexual conduct, groping and other forced sexual acts. One plaintiff was incarcerated at Denney for only one night, during which he was forced to perform sexual acts on a male guard, according to the lawsuit.
“We commend the bravery of these plaintiffs stepping forward to share the darkest moments under the custody of Snohomish County,” Berman said. “Our firm will protect their anonymity and identities as we bring these claims forward to put an end to this abuse.”
“Actively Harmful”
The complaint alleges Snohomish County’s policies, practices and procedures effectively enabled the pervasive and empowered nature of the abuse.
“The County did not create or operate any legitimate or safe procedures for the children in its care to report sexual abuse and misconduct,” the 24-page lawsuit states. “It offered Plaintiffs no assurance that reporting would not result in retaliation, which staff commonly threatened.”
According to the lawsuit, abuse at Denney Youth Center and Denney Juvenile Justice Center amounted to repeated instances, not stemming from one-off incidents or random acts.
“Not only did Snohomish County fail to protect these children under its care, but the county’s very policies, practices and customs placed our clients and other detained youth at greater risk of sexual assault,” Berman said. “We believe the county has been negligent and actively harmful to these children.”
The lawsuit brings claims against Snohomish County including violations of state negligence laws and intentional infliction of emotional distress. In addition, the lawsuit claims Snohomish County violated federal law, including Monell claims which pertain to maintaining and implementing unconstitutional policies, practices and/or customs of sexually assaulting and harassing inmates, failing to screen or train staff members, understaffing and many other failures affecting safety and human rights.
About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs’ rights complex litigation law firm with a tenacious drive for achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. Since its founding in 1993, the firm’s determination has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of “Most Feared Plaintiff’s Firm,” MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
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