High Desert Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse Lawsuit Settlement

Survivors of sexual abuse at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center are now filing civil lawsuits against San Bernardino County for failing to protect them. These sex abuse lawsuits allege that staff members at the facility sexually abused minors in custody and that the San Bernardino County Probation Department ignored warning signs and allowed the abuse to continue. Victims of abuse at High Desert may now be eligible for settlement compensation and the opportunity to hold the county accountable.

If you have a potential sex abuse lawsuit involving High Desert Juvenile Detention Center, call our 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 Bernardino County Probation Department. The High Desert facility is located in Apple Valley, California. Like most county-level juvenile detention facilities in California, High Desert is primarily 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 designed to guide 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 be habitually ignored rather than investigated. This enabled misconduct by staff members to go unpunished and fostered an 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 Bernardino 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 to and control over vulnerable minors.

SBPD is legally obligated to ensure that juvenile inmates at High Desert Juvenile Hall are reasonably safe and well cared for. This includes a duty to protect juvenile inmates at High Desert from sexual abuse and assault committed by correctional officers, staff, and 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.

Why Survivors of High Desert Juvenile Detention Center Can Still Bring Civil Claims

Survivors of sexual abuse at High Desert Juvenile Detention Center should not assume that their cases are too old to pursue. Even if the abuse occurred many years ago, legal and strategic factors may still allow for a valid civil claim against San Bernardino County. The reason is not just a legal technicality. It is grounded in the evolution of California law and how government entities, such as San Bernardino County, approach long-term litigation risk.

In 2024, California eliminated the statute of limitations for new cases of childhood sexual abuse. That change does not automatically reopen cases that have already expired, but it does alter the way counties assess their exposure. We have already seen this dynamic play out in Los Angeles County. Faced with a growing volume of lawsuits from former juvenile detainees, Los Angeles chose to resolve thousands of cases that were technically time-barred. It did so because the risk of future legal changes remained high, and the county understood that settling those cases provided closure and finality.

The same pressures now apply to San Bernardino County. High Desert Juvenile Detention Center has become part of a broader statewide reckoning over how county-run facilities failed to protect children. The legal landscape is no longer static. Lawmakers have shown a willingness to reopen claims, courts are more open to survivor testimony, and public scrutiny of institutional abuse continues to increase.

Survivors who were abused at High Desert should understand that the statute of limitations is not always the barrier it once was. When counties have reason to believe that further legislative or legal developments may expose them to additional liability, they often choose to resolve claims early. That includes cases that may appear expired on paper.

If the San Bernardino County Probation Department failed to protect juvenile inmates and allowed abuse to occur, survivors can still seek accountability. The law may allow them to bring a direct civil claim. More importantly, the county’s incentive to resolve these cases, even those involving older incidents, gives survivors meaningful leverage.

This is not about revisiting history. It is about recognizing institutional failures that have caused real harm and using the law, as it currently exists, to hold the responsible parties accountable. Survivors should not make assumptions based on outdated legal advice. The opportunity to be heard and to receive compensation may still be available.

High Desert Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits – FAQs

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

A good place to start is by looking at what already happened in Los Angeles. That county has paid more than $4 billion to resolve sexual abuse claims from its juvenile halls, with the average settlement payout per survivor estimated at around $571,000. That number has quickly become the reference point for evaluating these kinds of cases across California.

If Los Angeles was willing to settle that many cases at those numbers, why would San Bernardino be any different? The pattern of abuse at High Desert, the repeated failures to respond to complaints, and the mounting evidence of institutional negligence all reflect the same type of systemic harm. If anything, some of the facts coming out of High Desert suggest even deeper problems.

That is why many attorneys expect San Bernardino to follow the same trajectory. Once a critical mass of cases builds up and the county sees the long-term risk of defending each one individually, a global settlement becomes the logical move. And when that happens, what kind of numbers are we likely to see? Based on prior settlements, survivors with well-documented claims, especially those involving repeated abuse, psychological harm, or ignored warnings, could see settlement compensation in that same six-figure range or higher.

Nothing is guaranteed in litigation. The real question is not whether San Bernardino will settle. The real question is when. Once they realize the legal exposure they are sitting on, history suggests they will do what Los Angeles did: cut their losses and move forward.

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 previously protected 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 who 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.