New Hampshire settles youth center abuse case for $10 million

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- The New Hampshire attorney general's office has reached a $10 million settlement in a case involving Michael Gilpatrick, who alleged he was gang-raped in the 1990s at the state's youth detention center. His lawsuit was set to be the second of over 1,300 claims against the state, but both parties opted for an out-of-court settlement instead. This payout is notably higher than the typical maximum available to abuse victims through the state’s settlement fund.

Gilpatrick, now 41, was just 14 when he was placed at the Youth Development Center in 1997. His lawsuit detailed various abuses he suffered, including incidents where he was held down by staff members while being raped. He described the environment at the facility as one where he felt isolated and fearful, stating, "You were literally stuck in your own thoughts, in your own fear every single day."

The allegations led to criminal charges against four former staff members, two of whom have already faced trial. Brad Asbury was sentenced to 20 to 40 years for his involvement in the assaults, while a jury was unable to reach a verdict in the case against Stephen Murphy, who has denied the allegations. Gilpatrick's testimony revealed the systemic abuse and violence at the facility, where he described staff members as a "hit squad" that targeted vulnerable residents.

By settling, Gilpatrick avoids the emotional toll of a prolonged court battle after already testifying in criminal trials. He previously struggled for years to come to terms with his experiences, only deciding to speak out once he was able to stop blaming himself for what had happened.

Investigations into the youth center, which previously housed over 100 children, have led to multiple arrests and convictions among former youth counselors. The facility is set to be closed, with plans for a smaller institution that will cater to those involved in the most serious violent crimes.