Eight Victims File Lawsuit Over Decades of Abuse at Clark County Juvenile Facility

Lawsuit alleges systemic sexual abuse and institutional failure at the Clark County Juvenile Justice Center over nearly four decades.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Eight former detainees have filed a civil lawsuit against Clark County, alleging widespread and systemic sexual abuse of children held at the County's juvenile detention facility over a span of decades. The complaint describes repeated acts of rape, molestation, sexual exploitation, and retaliation committed by detention staff against children as young as 13.

Why it matters

This case highlights the failure of the juvenile justice system to protect vulnerable children in its care, and the need for greater accountability and oversight to prevent such abuses from occurring. The long duration and systemic nature of the alleged misconduct raises concerns about the institutional culture and practices at the facility.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Clark County failed in its duty to protect children placed in its custody, allowing a culture of abuse to flourish through chronic mismanagement, inadequate supervision, negligent hiring and retention, and the failures to properly investigate or stop known misconduct. Staff members are accused of conducting invasive strip searches, isolating children in unsupervised areas, using threats and privileges to silence victims, and failing to investigate reports of abuse.

  • The alleged abuse occurred between 1978 and 2014.
  • The lawsuit was filed in Clark County Superior Court in February 2026.

The players

Clark County

The county government that operated the juvenile detention facility where the alleged abuse took place.

Scott Edwards

One of the attorneys representing the victims in the lawsuit.

Sara Schirato

The other attorney representing the victims in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“This case is not about a single bad actor. It is about an institutional failure that spanned generations. Children were entrusted to the County's care, and instead of protection, they were subjected to sexual violence and intimidation.”

— Scott Edwards, Attorney for the victims (clarkcountytoday.com)

“The pattern, duration, and similarity of these allegations strongly suggest there are many more victims. We believe there are former detainees, and possibly even former staff, who witnessed misconduct or were themselves abused and have not yet come forward.”

— Sara Schirato, Attorney for the victims (clarkcountytoday.com)

What’s next

The case is currently pending in Clark County Superior Court, and the attorneys representing the victims are encouraging anyone with information about the alleged abuse to come forward.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the urgent need for greater accountability and oversight in the juvenile justice system to protect vulnerable children from abuse and ensure their safety and well-being while in custody.