High Desert Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit Settlements

This page will look at civil lawsuits involving the sexual abuse of inmates at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center. Countless inmates at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center, and many other juvenile facilities in California, have been subjected to sexual abuse by staff members who are supposed to protect them. These victims can now bring civil lawsuits against the San Bernadino County Probation Department for negligently failing to protect them.

If you have a potential sex abuse lawsuit involving High Desert Juvenile Detention Center, call our California sex abuse lawyers, today at 800-553-8082 or get a free online consultation.

High Desert Juvenile Detention Center

High Desert Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center is a juvenile detention facility operated by the San Bernadino County Probation Department. The High Desert facility is located in Apple Valley, California. Like most county level juvenile detention facilities in California now, High Desert is mostly a short term holding center. It houses juveniles who have been charged and are awaiting trial.

High Desert Juvenile Detention Center is a secure facility designed to house and rehabilitate juvenile offenders. It provides a structured environment with educational programs, counseling services, and behavioral interventions aimed at guiding young individuals toward positive change. The center focuses on accountability, skill development, and reintegration into society while ensuring the safety and well-being of both the residents and the community.

Timeline of Sexual Abuse and Legal Developments at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center

1990s

Establishment and Early Years

High Desert Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center opens in Apple Valley, California, under the management of the San Bernardino County Probation Department (SBPD). Oversight is minimal, and external scrutiny of staff behavior is limited. Not that things are so great today, but it was a sadly different time in how we viewed how these children should be treated.

2000s

Reports of Misconduct Begin to Surface

Advocacy groups report excessive use of force and allegations of sexual abuse. Despite state reforms, enforcement remains weak, and many incidents go uninvestigated by SBPD.

2010s

Systemic Failures and Increased Allegations

Whistleblowers reveal ongoing staff abuse of juvenile inmates. Lawsuits allege neglect, cover-ups, and failure to investigate complaints. Some correctional officers are arrested for sexual abuse crimes.

2020

California Takes Action on Juvenile Justice Reform

Governor Gavin Newsom announces the closure of the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) by 2023, transferring juvenile detainees to county facilities like High Desert. Advocates warn of worsening conditions.

2022

Major Arrests and Lawsuits Against High Desert Staff

A correctional officer is arrested for allegedly molesting multiple detainees, sparking investigations and class action lawsuits against SBPD and the County of San Bernardino.

2023

California’s DJJ Officially Closes; More Abuse Claims Filed

With state juvenile facilities closing, High Desert houses more detainees. Additional lawsuits reveal more cases of staff misconduct and negligence.

2024

Statute of Limitations Eliminated for Child Sex Abuse Cases

California eliminates time limits for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits. Survivors of High Desert abuse can now file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred (older claims still have an SOL as we discuss more fully below).

2025

Potential Major Settlements and Verdicts Expected

Legal experts predict multi-million-dollar settlements and jury verdicts against San Bernardino County for its failure to protect juvenile detainees from systemic abuse.

Sexual Abuse of Inmates at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center

Sadly, sexual abuse of inmates in California juvenile detention facilities has been a widespread problem for many years. Thanks to investigative reports and brave victims coming forward to tell their stories, we now know that sexual abuse of juvenile inmates at places like High Desert Juvenile Hall was pervasive.

Authorities at High Desert and other facilities negligently enabled this abuse to occur. Complaints about inappropriate conduct or abuse by staff members at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center would habitually ignored rather than investigated. This enabled misconduct by staff members to go unpunished and fostered a environment of abuse.

What Qualifies as Sexual Abuse?

If you are thinking about bringing a lawsuit for sexual abuse, it would obviously be important to know what qualifies as sexual abuse. In practical terms, sexual abuse encompasses almost any type or level of sexual contact from groping to forcible rape. Two crucial elements must be present to meet the criteria for sexual abuse: (1) “sexual” touching and (2) absence of consent.

The first element, physical or sexual touching, requires actual contact of a sexual nature for an act to qualify as sexual abuse or assault; verbal sexual harassment alone does not meet the definition of abuse.

The second element revolves around consent. The absence of consent is the defining factor across all forms of sexual assault. Non-consensual sexual touching automatically constitutes abuse or assault. In the context of cases involving inmates in juvenile detention centers, consent is usually not an issue. Minors, individuals under 18 years old, lack the legal capacity to provide consent. This means that ANY sexual touching by an adult involving a minor is inherently considered sexual abuse.

Holding San Bernadino County Liable for Sexual Abuse of Juvenile Inmates

The High Desert Juvenile Detention Center is under the full operational authority and responsibility of the San Bernardino Probation Department (“SBPD”). SBPD is the agency that hires, screens, trains, and supervises all of the correctional officers and other staff member who work with juvenile inmates at High Desert. Properly screening and monitoring staff members is critically important because they have access and control over vulnerable minors.

SBPD is legally obligated to ensure that juvenile inmates at High Desert Juvenile Hall are reasonably safe and well care for. This includes a duty to protect juvenile inmates at High Desert from sexual abuse and assault committed by correctional officers, staff, and both other inmates. This duty obligates SBPD to adopt appropriate policies for monitoring staff, as well as a duty to investigate all complaints about misconduct by staff.

There is a wealth of evidence establishing that SBPD systematically failed in this fundamental obligation to protect juvenile inmates at High Desert. Despite previous reports of abuse and misconduct, SBPD did not take adequate action to prevent further harm. This negligence included poor supervision of staff, insufficient policies, inadequate employee training, and a failure to implement effective safety measures. As a result, these children have endured profound physical, emotional, and psychological harm, including pain, distress, loss of self-esteem, and other lasting effects of abuse.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims

California’s statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases is complicated, and recent changes to the law have made it even more so. Survivors may hear that there is “no statute of limitations” for filing lawsuits, but that only applies in certain situations. The time limits depend on when the abuse happened, and not all survivors benefit from the new rules. Here’s how the deadline to sue works in these cases:

For survivors whose abuse happened on or after January 1, 2024, there is no time limit to file a lawsuit. That means a survivor can sue their abuser or any responsible institution at any time, even decades later.

For survivors whose abuse happened on or before December 31, 2023, different rules apply. California previously allowed survivors to file lawsuits until age 40 or within five years of realizing the abuse caused them harm, whichever was later. That law is still in effect for older cases. If a survivor had already missed that deadline before 2024, they do not get unlimited time under the new law.

There is one other major change that affects survivors who were abused in government-run facilities like juvenile detention centers. Normally, lawsuits against government entities require filing a special claim first, often within a very short window. But under this law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse do not have to go through that process and can sue the state or county directly.

This law also includes extra protections for survivors seeking damages against institutions that covered up the abuse. If a survivor can prove a cover-up, they may be entitled to three times the compensation payout that the jury awards to further punish them for what they did.

High Desert Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits – FAQs

How Much Are High Desert Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse Cases Worth?

Every case is different, but sexual abuse lawsuits involving juvenile detention centers often settle for six or seven figures, depending on the severity of the abuse, its impact on the survivor, and the level of negligence by the facility. If there is evidence that the San Bernardino County Probation Department ignored prior complaints or covered up sexual abuse that could have prevented the tragedy that happened to you, settlements will be significantly higher. But you really do not need that in places like High Desert because there were so many systemic failures.

Can I Sue San Bernardino County for Abuse That Happened at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center?

Yes. Under California law, government agencies like the San Bernardino County Probation Department can be held liable for failing to protect detainees from sexual abuse. If the county knew or should have known about abuse at High Desert but failed to stop it, they can be sued for negligence. California’s recent changes to the statute of limitations make it easier than ever for survivors to file claims, even for abuse that happened decades ago.

What Makes California a Strong Legal Venue for Sex Abuse Lawsuits?

California now has some of the most plaintiff-friendly sex abuse laws in the country. The state has a favorable statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.

Unlike many states, California does not cap damages in these cases, making it possible for survivors to receive full compensation for their suffering.

Can I Still Sue If the Sexual Abuse Happened Years Ago?

Yes. California’s updated statute of limitations laws mean you can still sue for childhood sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it occurred. The state removed all time limits for child sex abuse claims in 2024, meaning survivors can take legal action regardless of when the sexual abuse happened.

Who Can Be Sued in a Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

In addition to the individual abuser, survivors can sue the detention center, its administrators, and the county itself for failing to prevent abuse. Potential defendants include correctional officers and staff who committed or facilitated the abuse, the San Bernardino County Probation Department, supervisors and administrators who ignored warning signs, and any third-party contractors providing services within the facility.

What Evidence Helps Prove a High Desert Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

Strong cases often include powerful stories from the survivor, medical or psychological records, witness statements, internal facility records showing prior complaints, and evidence of prior investigations into misconduct at the facility. But some context is necessary. Even without direct physical evidence, a credible survivor’s testimony can often be enough to build a strong case, especially if there is a pattern of similar allegations.

How Does the Government’s Role Impact These Cases?

Suing a government-run detention center adds legal challenges. Thankfully, California has removed many of the barriers that used to protect institutions. In most cases, survivors no longer need to file special claims against the county first, and California law allows plaintiffs to pursue additional damages if they can prove an institutional cover-up.

Why Have So Many California Juvenile Detention Centers Been Sued for Sexual Abuse?

There is a long history of systemic abuse and neglect in California’s juvenile justice system. This is one of those things you look back on and wonder how it could have possibly happened. The people that need to care just did not care enough. It is as simple as that.

Lawsuits against juvenile detention facilities across the state have found just awful sexual abuse by staff members, facilities ignoring complaints, administrators retaliating against survivors, and a culture of silence that allowed abusers to operate for years. High Desert Juvenile Detention Center is part of this larger pattern of institutional failure.

What Are the Biggest Challenges in High Desert Sex Abuse Lawsuits?

One of the biggest challenges is getting past institutional cover-ups. Many juvenile detention centers ignored complaints, failed to keep records, and protected abusers instead of investigating them.

Why Do Some Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Cases Take So Long to Resolve?

It is frustrating to watch sexual abuse lawsuits against juvenile detention centers drag on for years, especially when the allegations seem airtight. But behind the scenes, there are layers of legal, financial, and bureaucratic maneuvering that make these cases uniquely slow-moving. One problem in these cases is the sheer size of the defendants slow the litigation down. We need to push the cases forward quickly because what gets these lawsuits settled in a trial date that puts pressure on the defendant.

Will I Have to Testify in Court If I File a Lawsuit?

Possibly. But it is extremely unlikely statistically. Most sex abuse lawsuits settle before going to trial, meaning you may not have to testify in court.

What If My Abuser Was Never Charged or Convicted?

You can still file a civil lawsuit even if your abuser was never arrested or convicted. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. Many abusers escape criminal charges due to institutional failures, missing evidence, or expired criminal statutes of limitations. But that does not prevent survivors from seeking justice through a lawsuit.

How Does Compensation Work in a High Desert Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

When a large number of sexual abuse lawsuits are filed against a juvenile detention center—like High Desert Juvenile Detention Center—defendants often seek a global settlement rather than fighting each case individually. A global settlement is a collective resolution where the defendant (usually a government entity, county probation department, or private facility operator) agrees to pay a lump sum to settle all claims at once. But that lump sum isn’t split evenly among survivors. Instead, a points system is used to determine how much each plaintiff receives.

Why Do Defendants Push for a Global Settlement?

From the defendant’s perspective, fighting each lawsuit separately is usually just too risky. Veridicts in these cases can be huge. If one case goes to trial and results in a massive jury verdict, it sets a precedent and could drive up the settlement value of every other case. A global settlement allows the defendant to cap their financial exposure, control the timeline, and resolve all cases at once, preventing an ongoing wave of litigation. Plaintiffs like it too because it gives finality.

Counties and state agencies, in particular, like global settlements because they operate on budgets and often require legislative approval for payouts. By negotiating one large settlement, they avoid unpredictable jury verdicts and extended legal fees.

How Does the Points System Work?

Once a global settlement is reached, the next step is distributing the money. This is where the points system comes in. Instead of giving every plaintiff an equal payout, settlements are calculated based on the severity of their claims. Just below, we talk about some of the factor that matter in points-based settlement system.

Can I File a Lawsuit Anonymously?

Yes. Many sex abuse survivors file lawsuits under pseudonyms like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe” to protect their privacy. California courts recognize the sensitive nature of these cases and allow survivors to pursue justice without exposing their identity to the public.

What Should I Do If I Was Abused at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center?

If you were sexually abused at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center, you still have the right to file a lawsuit, even if the abuse happened years ago. Contact our legal team for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Factors That Impact the Settlement Value of a High Desert Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Strength of Evidence: The Key to Maximizing Your Settlement
The quality of the evidence in your case will significantly impact your settlement amount. While survivor testimony alone can be powerful, cases backed by medical records, incident reports, and corroborating witness testimony often result in much higher payouts.
Severity of Abuse: The More Devastating the Harm, the Larger the Compensation
The more severe and prolonged the abuse, the higher the potential settlement or jury award. Survivors diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, or suicidal ideation often receive significantly larger compensation because these conditions demonstrate long-term suffering.
Duration of Abuse: Longer Periods of Abuse Typically Lead to Higher Settlements
Cases where the abuse occurred repeatedly over weeks, months, or years generally bring higher settlement amounts than single-incident cases. Courts and juries recognize that extended trauma, particularly in an institutional setting like High Desert, causes deeper emotional and psychological scars. That said, some of the best compensation cases our lawyers have seen have been single event tragedies.
Age of the Victim: Younger Survivors Tend to Receive Larger Settlements
The younger the victim, the higher the settlement payout generally is. Juries and the lawyers that decide on these settlement offers consider the long-term impact of abuse on a child’s development, education, and future opportunities. Younger victims are seen as particularly vulnerable, making institutions that failed to protect at risk for a higher jury verdict which, in turn, increases the settlement payout that is offered.
Venue: Where You File Your Lawsuit Matters
The court where your case is filed plays a crucial role in determining the value of your claim. California has a history of awarding substantial settlements and verdicts in sex abuse cases, especially in jurisdictions like San Bernardino County, where High Desert is located.
Legal Representation: Your Lawyer Can Make or Break Your Case
The lawyer you choose is one of the most important factors in determining your settlement value. Sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions require a lawyer who knows what they are doing. Period.

Contact Us About High Desert Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse Cases

If you were sexually abused as an inmate at High Desert Juvenile Detention, you may be able to file a lawsuit and get compensation. Reach out to us online or call 800-553-8082.