Breaking News: Crew Janci Files Lawsuit Against Oregon Youth Authority for Systemic Child Sexual Abuse
Crew Janci Team on March 13, 2025 Update: additional lawsuits have been filed, see media coverage and updates below as the situation continues to unfold.
Crew Janci Sues Oregon Youth Authority for Child Sexual Abuse Cover-Up
March 13, 2025 – Portland, OR – Crew Janci LLP, a national leader in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, has filed a $51 million lawsuit against the State of Oregon on behalf of ten men who were sexually abused as children while in state custody at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.
The lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, details how Dr. Edward “Gary” Edwards, the prison’s longtime chief medical officer, used his position to sexually abuse young boys under the guise of medical care. Despite reports and clear warning signs, the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) failed to protect children in its care—instead allowing a culture of silence and abuse to persist for years.
Widespread Abuse at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility
According to the lawsuit, Dr. Edwards sexually abused children at MacLaren between 2000 and 2007, targeting vulnerable boys as young as 12 years old. His conduct was well known among both staff and youth, yet OYA administrators and correctional officers ignored complaints and failed to take action.
Legal Action and Survivor Advocacy
Attorneys Peter Janci and Paul Galm, who are representing the survivors, state that this lawsuit is just the beginning.
“We believe this case is just the tip of the iceberg,” said attorney Peter Janci. “We have already been contacted by nearly 200 individuals who report being sexually abused while in OYA custody.”
Oregon Youth Authority’s Failure to Act
The lawsuit alleges that OYA repeatedly ignored reports of sexual abuse and failed to take meaningful steps to protect children in its care. Several of the plaintiffs attempted to report their abuse to counselors and even the OYA abuse hotline—but nothing was done.
Many of the plaintiffs suffered severe emotional, psychological, and physical distress as a result of their abuse. Some turned to substance abuse to cope with their trauma, while others developed a deep distrust of doctors and authority figures.
Holding the Oregon Youth Authority Accountable
This lawsuit comes at a time when Oregon Youth Authority is under intense scrutiny for its handling of sexual abuse allegations. On the same day the lawsuit was filed, Governor Tina Kotek fired OYA Director Joe Leary, amid an ongoing investigation into the agency’s failure to protect youth in its custody.
“Children—especially those in state custody—deserve to be safe,” said attorney Paul Galm. “The repeated sexual exploitation of children at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility is a profound failure of Oregon’s juvenile justice system.”
Crew Janci LLP: Fighting for Justice for Abuse Survivors
The attorneys at Crew Janci LLP, known for their trailblazing legal work on behalf of sexual abuse survivors, have led similar lawsuits against state and national organizations, including cases involving the Boy Scouts of America, the Catholic Church, and government-run juvenile facilities.
Survivors of Oregon Youth Authority Abuse: You Are Not Alone
Crew Janci LLP encourages anyone who suffered sexual abuse while in Oregon Youth Authority custody to come forward. The firm is actively investigating additional claims and expects more lawsuits to be filed in the coming months.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, contact Crew Janci LLP today for a confidential consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to stand by your side and help you take the first steps toward healing and justice.
Contact us in Oregon today!
9755 SW Barnes Road, Suite 430, Portland, Oregon 97225 (888) 407-0224 info@crewjanci.com For any questions, Submit Our Confidential Form.
In the News
Legal Action Against the Oregon Youth Authority
Crew Janci is representing survivors in a groundbreaking case that exposes abuse within Oregon’s youth correctional system. Explore recent news coverage and updates to learn how our legal action is shedding light on systemic failures and advancing justice for those harmed in state custody.
New Cases Filed – July 24, 2025
Three new OYA staffers named in lawsuits as 17 more victims sue state for child sexual abuse.
- Suits publicly allege abuse by long-time OYA staffers Scott Scrabeck, Robert blacksmith, and Alex Blevins
- Meanwhile, 12 more victims of “Dr. Cold Fingers” also file suit (now totaling 51), with more to come
- State now facing more than $275 million in liability
- Victims’ lawyers say “culture of indifference allowed predators to thrive”
Read the full press release for cases filed July 24, 2025 Read more about Crew Janci’s lawsuit filed in March 2025
Case Coverage
- 17 more plaintiffs allege sexual abuse at Oregon Youth Authority facilities – Salem Statesman Journal
- More lawsuits lodged against Oregon Youth Authority accusing staff of sexual assault – OPB
- Three new OYA staffers named in ongoing allegations of sex abuse at youth facility – KOIN
- 17 more victims sue Oregon Youth Authority over alleged sexual abuse by staffers, doctor – KGW8
- New sexual abuse lawsuits filed against 3 former Oregon youth prison staff – The Oregonian
- Oregon youth prison doctor known by notorious nickname accused of sexually abusing boys for years – The Oregonian
Empowering Change
Related Resources
are here to guide and empower you or someone you care about.
Three New OYA Staffers Named in Lawsuits As 17 More Victims Sue State for Child Sexual Abuse
Attorneys for victims of child sexual abuse within the Oregon Youth Authority filed a slate of new lawsuits on Thursday in Multnomah...
Did You Know Scott J. Scrabeck from OYA’s Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility?
New Lawsuit Filed Scott J. Scrabeck worked for the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) at Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility as a correctional officer...
Did You Know Robert Blacksmith from Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility?
New Lawsuit Filed Robert Blacksmith worked for the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) at Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility from the mid-1990s until 2006....
Don’t face this alone.
