Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Victims Sexually Abused at Sacramento County YDF

In California, there are numerous juvenile detention centers for incarcerated minors. Staff members and other entities often fail to meet professional standards in rehabilitating and protecting these inmates. In the most severe circumstances, sexual abuse can cause significant trauma to a child victim. Survivors who have been sexually abused can pursue compensation with a Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility sexual abuse claim. 

Injury Lawyer Team is an experienced law firm specializing in supporting survivors who have been sexually abused. We know what it takes to win California juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuits, all while holding abusers and negligent parties accountable. 

If you were mistreated while staying at Sacramento County YDF, civil sex abuse lawsuits can help you recover compensation for legal damages caused by the sex abuse. 

Sexual Abuse at Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility

In early 2025, Moises Hernandez Cordero Jr. received a two-year probationary sentence after a child predator sting revealed he had contacted a minor with sexual purposes and attempted to possess child pornography. Cordero was a former educator at Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility. 

Following a multi-agency undercover operation, Cordero was arrested along with 13 other individuals while working at YDF. Allegedly, the suspects in the case had been sending sexually explicit messages and images to agents, believing they were minors. Cordero’s messages indicated a clear intention to have sex with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl. 

Although proof that abuse occurred in a prison can be hard to come by, it is important to hold negligent institutions accountable when they fail to protect incarcerated youth. Injury Lawyer Team has the experience to bring these at-fault parties to justice while securing your financial future. 

How Long Do Survivors Have to File a Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in California?

California passed state law § 340.1, which abolished the statute of limitations entirely for survivors of childhood sexual assault. 

However, suppose you are over the age of 40 and decide to pursue compensation for being sexually abused as a child. In that case, you will need to submit certificates of merit along with your claim. These certificates must be signed by a mental health professional and your attorney, establishing the reasonable basis for your lawsuit. 

Some statutes also address claims involving juvenile detention sexual abuse. Under Gov. Code § 905(m), survivors of sexual abuse in a county-run facility can sue the county and its employees directly. 

In most other personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is only six months to pursue legal action against government entities. Still, this legislation abolishes the statute of limitations for victims who were sexually abused in juvenile detention institutions. 

It is always wise to take action quickly when pursuing a California sexual abuse lawsuit. The sooner you initiate a claim after the abuse occurred, the easier it will be to secure strong evidence to prove the abuse occurred. 

What Damages Can Survivors Recover in Lawsuits Against California Juvenile Detention Centers?

Sexual abuse can have an impact on your physical, emotional, and financial health. Although the trauma may take years to heal, an experienced legal team can help you recover financial compensation to safeguard your future. 

When seeking justice against government entities or individual prison staff members via youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuits, here are some legal damages you may qualify for with your settlement.

Economic Damages

• Lost income – An inability to work due to injuries from the abuse
• Diminished earning capacity – Sexual abuse could make it difficult for the survivor to find employment
• Medical expenses – For costs associated with your treatment, such as emergency care, medication, therapy, and rehabilitation

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress – Psychological harm can last for years after the abuse occurred, leading to PTSD, depression, anxiety, and self-harm
• Pain and suffering – For violent sexual assault, the survivor may live with physical pain due to their injuries
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Due to the emotional harm of the abuse, the victim may never enjoy normal life activities the same way

Punitive Damages

In some cases, a judge or jury can award punitive damages. This is additional compensation used in claims involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or institutional cover-ups. 

For example, if the youth detention center failed to provide adequate security to prevent abuse, then failed to act on allegations of sexual assault, the likelihood of punitive damages is high. 

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Lawsuit Against a Juvenile Detention Facility?

Young people who want justice for being sexually abused during their incarceration must identify who is responsible for their mistreatment. In many cases, it is more complicated than pursuing legal action against the actual abuser, as other parties may have acted negligently and allowed the abuse to happen. 

Here are some potentially liable parties for sex abuse in a youth facility:

• Individual abuser
• Correctional officers
• Security contractors
• Medical staff
• Mental health professionals
• Juvenile detention administrators
• County entities
• State institutions
• Cleaning staff
• Prison leadership (wardens)

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

Sexual abuse claims involving youth centers are complex. You may be contending with a lack of evidence, cover-ups, defense lawyers, and confusing state laws. At Injury Lawyer Team, we can provide clarity throughout the legal process to ensure the person who committed the abuse is held accountable. 

Our legal representation services include:

• Investigating the sexual abuse
• Assessing your legal damages after the abuse occurred
• Gathering evidence
• Speaking to witnesses and subject matter experts
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Litigating in civil court

Past Sexual Abuse Settlements We Have Won

Experience is essential when pursuing legal action for sexual abuse. Our team has helped numerous survivors pursue justice against their abusers, securing millions of dollars in damages. 

Here are some past settlements we have secured in cases involving sexual abuse:

• $21 million – A hotel chain resolved a case after a front desk clerk sexually assaulted a guest. The investigation revealed that the company failed to conduct a proper background check before hiring, which significantly increased its exposure. The incident drew attention to the issue of negligent hiring practices across the hospitality industry.
• $3 million – A woman was repeatedly assaulted by her OB/GYN at a large hospital. The hospital’s responsibility for oversight and the breach of trust in a medical setting increased the case value. The abuse went undetected for years, compounding the compensation.
• $1.16 million – A teenager was assaulted by a guard at a youth detention facility. The lack of oversight, abuse of authority, and the victim’s age factored into the case value. The case raised broader questions about the treatment of youth inmates in state-run facilities.

Book a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Legal Team Today

When you attempt to seek damages for your suffering, it can be difficult to bring the at-fault parties to justice. Whether you are suing government entities or individual correctional officers, your sex abuse lawsuit needs the backing of a strong legal team.

Injury Lawyer Team works on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win. Our lawyers have secured millions for past survivors of sex abuse, including those incarcerated in youth centers across the country. We will help you understand the relevant statute of limitations rules and your rights as an underage inmate. 

If you believe your case qualifies for a sexual abuse lawsuit, contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule a free consultation with our top attorneys. 

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.