Sixth Lawsuit Filed Against Oregon Youth Authority for Abuse by Dr. Gary Edwards

Crew Janci has filed a sixth lawsuit against the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) on behalf of 11 survivors who were sexually abused by Dr. Gary Edwards while in custody at OYA’s MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. The abuse, which began for some victims as young as 12 years old, occurred multiple times between 2000 and 2017.

To date, Crew Janci represents 62 survivors of Edwards, and more continue to come forward.

“What we’ve discovered is a cover-up culture at OYA — a system that for decades silenced victims and protected abusers instead of children,” said attorney Peter Janci.

A Cover-Up Culture

Investigations show that OYA fostered a culture that concealed abuse rather than confronting it. Survivors report being ignored, dismissed, or even punished when they tried to raise concerns. Former OYA staff confirm that youth consistently reported Edwards’ misconduct, yet instead of contacting law enforcement, managers kept complaints inside the system.

The firm also identified another perpetrator: Susan Baumgartner, a former gym teacher at MacLaren from 2001–2002, who is alleged to have sexually abused a minor boy during gym class. Witnesses suggest there may have been additional victims.

Crew Janci attorneys have spoken with nearly 100 survivors and a dozen former OYA employees. Many accounts corroborate the abuse and the state’s failure to act. Attorneys also confirmed that in 2007, a report was made to OYA and referred to law enforcement, yet Edwards remained in his position for another decade with unfettered access to children.

Federal Court Proceedings

All lawsuits against Edwards and OYA (now numbering more than 70 cases) have been consolidated in federal court. A hearing held this week set clear expectations for swift discovery and established the first trial date for November 2026.

Support for Survivors

Survivors of abuse at Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) facilities continue to come forward. If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse at an OYA facility, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether or not you choose to take legal action, support is available:

• RAINN: A national hotline offering 24/7 support, information, and referrals.
• OurWave: A survivor-led platform for sharing stories anonymously and finding connection.
• Bishop Accountability: Tracks known clergy abuse cases and helps survivors find patterns and allies.
• Crew Janci Awareness Hub: Our collection of survivor-focused resources.

You Are Not Alone. And You Are Not Powerless.

If you or someone you love has experienced clergy sexual abuse, our team at Crew Janci is here to help you find answers, accountability, and support. We believe survivors. We fight for survivors. And we are ready to stand with you.

Learn More and Take Action – Contact Us

9755 SW Barnes Road, Suite 430, Portland, Oregon 97225 (888) 407-0224 info@crewjanci.com For any questions, Submit Our Confidential Form.