Former Juvenile Detention Officer Sues Snohomish County for Retaliation

Lawsuit alleges officer was fired after reporting harassment and inappropriate conduct involving detained minors

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A former juvenile detention officer at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center in Snohomish County has filed a lawsuit against the county, claiming she was retaliated against and fired after reporting sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct involving detained minors. The lawsuit alleges the county failed to address the issues and instead terminated the officer, Kourtney Oehlerich, for not meeting job requirements, which the lawsuit claims was a retaliatory move.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the treatment of staff and detainees at juvenile detention facilities, as well as the importance of addressing reports of misconduct and harassment. The lawsuit raises questions about the county's handling of the situation and whether proper protocols were followed to protect employees and detained minors.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Oehlerich reported repeated incidents of sexual harassment directed at her by a fellow detention officer, as well as inappropriate behavior involving minors, including sexual conversations and the exchange of gifts. The lawsuit alleges the fellow officer retaliated against Oehlerich by verbally harassing her, encouraging detained minors to do the same, and intimidating her. Oehlerich also reported sexually explicit comments and threats from detained minors, but the lawsuit claims supervisors failed to intervene. After Oehlerich filed a formal complaint, she was notified she was under investigation and was later terminated, with the county citing not meeting job requirements, which the lawsuit claims was a retaliatory move.

  • Oehlerich was hired as a juvenile detention officer in December 2024.
  • Less than a year after she was hired, Oehlerich was terminated on October 8, 2025.

The players

Kourtney Oehlerich

A former juvenile detention officer at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center in Snohomish County who filed a lawsuit against the county, alleging retaliation and a hostile work environment.

Denney Juvenile Justice Center

A county-run juvenile detention facility in Snohomish County, Washington.

Snohomish County

The county that operates the Denney Juvenile Justice Center and is named in the lawsuit filed by Oehlerich.

Hagens Berman

The Seattle-based law firm representing Oehlerich in the lawsuit against Snohomish County.

Jacob Berman

An attorney with Hagens Berman who is representing Oehlerich in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“Less than a year after she was hired, our client was terminated by Snohomish County after reporting heinous instances of inappropriate behavior and harassment at Denney Juvenile Justice Center. We believe the county punished and attempted to silence our client for acting in accordance with her lawful duties as a mandatory reporter.”

— Jacob Berman, Attorney, Hagens Berman (FOX 13 Seattle)

What’s next

The case remains pending in King County Superior Court, and Snohomish County has stated it will review the complaint and respond to the allegations in court.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the importance of addressing reports of misconduct and harassment in juvenile detention facilities, as well as the need for proper protocols to protect both staff and detained minors. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how such issues are handled in the future.