New Hampshire settles youth center abuse case for $10 million

The New Hampshire attorney general's office has reached a $10 million settlement with Michael Gilpatrick, who alleged he was gang-raped in a stairwell at a youth detention center in the 1990s. Gilpatrick's lawsuit against the state was poised to be the second among over 1,300 cases slated for trial; however, both parties agreed to an out-of-court settlement, according to his legal team.

Gilpatrick, now 41, claimed that while at the Youth Development Center, he suffered severe abuse from multiple staff members, including incidents of rape and physical violence. His allegations led to criminal charges against former staffers, highlighting systemic issues at the facility. In one specific incident, he recounted being held down by staffers while being assaulted, describing a culture of fear and intimidation within the center.

The settlement is substantial, amounting to four times the maximum available through the state’s abuse victims settlement fund, though still less than half of the $38 million awarded in a previous civil trial, which is currently under dispute. Gilpatrick's case reflects a broader reckoning with abuse at the center, where many former residents have come forward with similar claims.

In light of his experiences, Gilpatrick has expressed that he found it difficult to voice his trauma initially due to the involvement of dorm leaders in the abuse. After years of grappling with his past, he decided to come forward, acknowledging the importance of confronting the traumatic events he endured.

The youth center, once housing over 100 children, has been under scrutiny since the attorney general's investigation began in 2019, resulting in numerous arrests of former staff members. Plans are underway to close the facility and replace it with a smaller institution for the most serious offenders, as the state acknowledges the need for systemic change within its juvenile justice system.