Kern County (James Bowles) Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Victims Sexually Abused at Kern County Juvenile Hall

At Injury Lawyer Team, we stand with survivors of Kern County (James Bowles) Juvenile Hall sexual abuse and other cases of misconduct in California juvenile detention centers. When staff members and correctional officers exploit their power instead of protecting youth, the most vulnerable members of our community are left with lasting trauma.

Our California juvenile detention center sexual abuse attorneys are committed to seeking justice, holding the responsible accountable, and securing the compensation survivors need to rebuild their lives.

Sexual Abuse at Kern County (James G. Bowles) Youth Detention Center

Officer George Anderson

Civil Litigation

Between 2005 and 2015, multiple female juvenile detainees accused correctional officer George Anderson of disturbing acts of sexual misconduct at James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall.

Survivors alleged that Anderson watched them shower, telling them to use a stall with a curtain that had a visible gap. He would stand at the staff desk with a clear view—an act of voyeurism and sexual abuse. 

Allegations include that he groomed victims, made sexual comments about their bodies, shared sexually explicit dreams, and even touched their faces and shoulders.

These incidents underscore a shocking abuse of power within a youth detention facility, where staff exploited authority over the most vulnerable members—juvenile detainees.

Legal Action and Judicial Findings

In 2015, survivors filed civil sex abuse lawsuits naming Anderson and highlighting sexual abuse, grooming, and violations of bodily privacy. These were filed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for constitutional violations and under state law. 

In a pivotal decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (Vazquez v. County of Kern, 2020) reversed a lower court’s summary judgment, ruling that the survivor had presented sufficient evidence that:

• Anderson’s conduct violated her Fourteenth Amendment rights to bodily privacy, bodily integrity, and to be free from punishment.
• A jury could reasonably find the conduct—like watching her shower and sexual comments—constituted sexual abuse, not mere discomfort of confinement.
• Supervisors could be liable for failing to act on prior misconduct. 

This appellate victory effectively kept the civil cases alive, allowing survivors to move forward with legal action and file claims despite attempts at dismissal.

Settlements

Following the Ninth Circuit’s ruling, survivors achieved significant settlements:

• Three separate sexual abuse lawsuits involving Anderson were resolved with Kern County for $200,000, $250,000, and $400,000, respectively. 
• Legal commentary emphasized that multiple victims over a short time indicated systemic negligence—not isolated misconduct.

These outcomes highlight how inadequate supervision, ignored warnings, and deficient training in juvenile detention centers enabled repeated sex abuse to occur.

Officer Cesar Navejar

Allegations and Criminal Proceedings

In September 2014, Cesar Navejar, a juvenile corrections officer at James Bowles Detention Center, was accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old female detainee. The plaintiff alleged repeated sexual abuse occurred during the month, including fondling the minor’s breasts, kissing, and using his finger for digital penetration without consent.

Local law enforcement launched an investigation, and on October 30, 2014, Navejar was arrested and booked on multiple felony counts: digital penetration without consent, digital penetration under color of authority, sexual battery, assault by a public officer, and the misdemeanor abusing a child. His bail was set at $175,000.

The case went to trial in early 2016. On March 9, 2016, a jury returned a not guilty verdict on all charges. Even so, in a later hearing, a judge declined Navejar’s request to have his arrest record sealed or to be declared “factually innocent,” noting that there remained sufficient reason for suspicion that some form of abuse occurred.

Civil Litigation

Despite the criminal acquittal, the civil lawsuit remains active. The victim continues to seek justice and financial compensation from both Navejar and relevant government entities.

Correctional Officer Shaleah Ryman

Allegations and Evidence

In July 2022, Shaleah Ryman, a then‑33‑year‑old correctional officer at James G. Bowles, was formally charged with sexual abuse of a 16‑year‑old detainee, after only three months of employment (she began in October 2021).

Investigators discovered graphic phone calls between Ryman and the minor, where he discussed inappropriate touching in explicit detail. Surveillance footage placed Ryman standing by the juvenile’s cell during the timeframe of those calls, suggesting in-person contact that may have occurred simultaneously. Under questioning, Ryman initially denied the allegations. However, she later admitted to law enforcement that she had kissed the minor and engaged in sexual contact with him.

Criminal Charges

As of mid‑2022, a sexual abuse lawsuit had been filed and Ryman was facing four criminal counts, including contacting a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense, two counts of exhibiting harmful matter to a minor, and child molestation. She was scheduled to appear in court on August 1, 2022.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Lawsuit After the CA Child Victims Act?

The CA Child Victims Act (AB 452) eliminated the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault under § 340.1. Survivors of sexual assault can now file civil sex abuse lawsuits at any time, even if the abuse occurred decades ago.

For survivors 40 or older, the law requires a certificate of merit—signed by both their attorney and a licensed mental health professional—confirming the case qualifies and has a valid legal and psychological basis.

Importantly, under Gov. Code § 905(m), survivors sexually abused in county-run youth detention facilities like James G. Bowles can file sexual abuse lawsuits against government entities and staff members directly, without worrying about the usual six-month deadline in the Government Claims Act.

Because these rules are complex, survivors should work with experienced California sexual abuse attorneys who understand how to navigate the statute, file claims properly, and hold those responsible accountable.

What Financial Compensation Can Victims of Sexual Assault in California Juvenile Detention Centers Recover?

Survivors of juvenile detention sexual abuse often suffer far beyond the time they spend in custody. The harm caused by sexual assault at facilities like James G. Bowles can impact every area of a survivor’s life. Through civil lawsuits and with proper legal representation, survivors may be entitled to significant compensation designed to help them heal and rebuild.

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, long-term treatment, and ongoing healthcare related to injuries from sexual abuse.
• Therapy & Counseling: Compensation for professional mental health support, addressing the psychological harm caused by abuse.
• Pain & Suffering: Damages for emotional trauma, humiliation, and lasting mental distress.
• Loss of Opportunities: Many survivors lose access to education or career opportunities while struggling with trauma from juvenile hall sex abuse.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award extra damages to punish staff members or government entities for egregious misconduct and failure to provide adequate security.

Working with experienced youth detention center sexual abuse attorneys ensures survivors’ sexual abuse claims are handled with care. Attorneys investigate how the abuse occurred, subpoena records, and identify whether negligence by staff or systemic failures at the juvenile detention facility make the county liable.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

Juvenile detention sexual abuse cases are complex. Survivors often fear retaliation, stigma, and proving abuse hidden inside a juvenile detention facility. Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys know how to overcome these challenges, gather evidence, and hold both officers and government entities accountable.

Results we’ve achieved include:

$4,000,000 – Religious Group Abuse

Five boys were sexually abused over three years by a religious leader. One later died by suicide tied to his trauma. Our sexual abuse lawyers proved organizational negligence, securing compensation for therapy and long-term care.

$6,350,000 – Negligent Security

A woman was sexually abused in a poorly lit parking garage. Owners knew of prior crimes but failed to install lighting or cameras. Our lawsuit exposed their failures and showed how abuse occurred in part due to their negligence, resulting in a major settlement for medical care and psychological harm.

$1,160,000 – Youth Detention Center Assault

A teen was sexually assaulted by a guard at a youth detention center. The lawsuit alleged the county ignored red flags. We built the case and won compensation to fund counseling and recovery.

We take sexual abuse claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover for you. Every survivor can also receive a free, confidential consultation with our trusted sexual abuse attorneys who understand the lasting impact of sex abuse cases.

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.