Dr. Edward Gary Edwards Sexual Assault Lawsuits

The Dr. Edward Gary Edwards sexual abuse lawsuits expose one of Oregon’s most disturbing cases.

As chief medical officer at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, operated by the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), Edwards—known as “Dr. Cold Fingers —is accused of exploiting his position to abuse boys in state custody.

Survivors report being sexually abused during routine exams while OYA staff failed to intervene. These lawsuits seek justice for the victims and highlight systemic failures within the Oregon Youth Authority that allowed the alleged abuse to continue.

Dr. Edward Gary Edwards’ Background

Dr. Edward Gary Edwards served for years as chief medical officer at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. Survivors allege he exploited that role to commit repeated acts of sexual abuse against boys in state custody.

Edwards became notorious for invasive exams performed with bare, ungloved hands. Because of this, the youth nicknamed him “Dr. Cold Fingers,” a name that reflected the fear his exams created.

The alleged abuse includes groping, penetration without gloves, and unnecessary procedures. Some survivors say he used medication to facilitate abuse.

One recalled visiting him for a sore throat, only to have Edwards fondle his genitals instead of providing treatment.

The lawsuits describe a pattern of Edwards sexually abusing boys over the course of many years. Even more troubling are claims that staff ignored complaints and, at times, used Edwards as a threat to control the boys, leaving reports of alleged abuse uninvestigated and children exposed to further harm.

Accountability in Youth Facilities

The MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, run by the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), was meant to provide rehabilitation and safety for youth in custody. Instead, it now faces lawsuits for failing to protect children from sexual abuse.

Survivors describe an environment where abuse occurred repeatedly and complaints were dismissed. Staff allegedly concealed misconduct, creating a culture of silence that turned the facility into a place of fear rather than care.

Under Oregon law, agencies like the OYA have a duty to safeguard children. These lawsuits show how that duty was neglected and why the state can be held accountable in court.

The Lawsuits Filed Against the State

The first lawsuit was filed in March 2025, when ten former residents of MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility sought $51 million in damages.

They alleged that Dr. Edwards exploited his authority as chief medical officer to sexually abuse them during exams between 2000 and 2007.

Timeline of the Lawsuits Against Dr. Cold Fingers

• March 2025: Ten men filed the first lawsuit, seeking $51 million in damages.
• July 2025: Another group of survivors filed suit, expanding the case.
• Mid-2025: More than thirty men had joined, all describing similar abuse and staff negligence.

Together, these lawsuits show the widespread nature of Edwards sexually abusing boys in custody and the systemic failures that enabled it. They seek not only compensation but also accountability and reforms to protect children in custody.

Institutional Failures and the Lasting Impact on Victims

These lawsuits center on institutional failure. Survivors report that complaints were ignored or twisted against them, and some were even threatened with medical visits as punishment. This lack of oversight allowed Edwards to continue sexually abusing children for years.

The trauma did not end when the abuse occurred — it carried into adulthood, shaping survivors’ mental health, relationships, and ability to trust.

Many still struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and a deep sense of betrayal from having been harmed by a doctor while in state custody.

The damage extends far beyond their time in custody, affecting education, employment, and personal development.

These lawsuits serve as a reminder that when institutions choose silence over accountability, victims suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives.

Oregon Laws Governing Sexual Abuse Claims

Oregon law provides multiple avenues for survivors to pursue justice. Oregon Revised Statutes § 12.117 extends the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse, recognizing that many cannot come forward until adulthood. 

This revised statute allows survivors of Edwards’ misconduct to bring claims years after the misconduct occurred.

The Oregon Tort Claims Act (ORS § 30.260–30.300) allows individuals to sue state agencies, such as the Oregon Youth Authority, when their negligence contributes to abuse. This statute is central to the lawsuits now pending against the OYA.

Additionally, federal law, as outlined in 42 U.S.C. § 1983, permits survivors to sue when their constitutional rights are violated by state actors.

For children in custody, being sexually assaulted while under state supervision may constitute a violation of theirEighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

Legal Remedies for Survivors

Survivors of sexual abuse in custody may pursue several forms of compensation under Oregon law. These remedies address both the financial costs of abuse and the lasting emotional harm it causes.

Economic damages cover medical expenses, therapy, and long-term mental health care.

Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and the impact on relationships and quality of life.

Punitive damages may be awarded when institutions act with reckless disregard for children’s safety, as alleged against the Oregon Youth Authority.

Courts recognize that sexual abuse has consequences far beyond financial loss. Legal remedies serve not only to provide recovery but also to acknowledge the harm survivors endured.

How Injury Lawyer Team

Cases involving doctors and state institutions are legally complex, requiring the expertise of experienced representation.

Our attorneys have handled cases of medical misconduct and institutional abuse, building evidence of patterns, negligence, and cover-ups. We fight to ensure survivors are heard and supported throughout the process.

When a doctor commits sexual abuse, survivors deserve to work with an experienced doctor sexual abuse attorney who understands both the medical and legal issues involved.

At the same time, institutions like the Oregon Youth Authority must be held responsible for youth correctional facility sexual abuse. By taking legal action, we ensure that both perpetrators and the agencies that failed to act are held responsible.

Taking Legal Action After Abuse

Coming forward is never easy, but survivors of Dr. Edwards’ abuse are showing that action is possible. Thanks to extended time limits under Oregon law, many victims can still file claims even years after the incident.

Seeking legal guidance quickly is the best way to understand your rights and preserve your ability to pursue justice.

Filing a lawsuit is about more than financial recovery. It provides validation, accountability, and helps ensure that no other child suffers the same abuse.

Our Commitment to Survivors

Our firm is committed to representing survivors of sexual abuse with both compassion and determination. The lawsuits against Dr. Edward Gary Edwards highlight how institutions failed children, but they also show the courage of victims who are demanding justice.

If you or a loved one were abused in a youth correctional facility, know that you are not alone. We are here to guide you through the legal process, hold negligent institutions accountable, and fight for the justice you deserve.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.