Chehalis, WA – In the early hours of an April 2024 morning, a guard at Washington’s most secure juvenile detention facility, Green Hill School, located at 375 SW 11th St, Chehalis, WA 98532, quietly unlocked a cell door. The act allowed 22-year-old inmate Robbrie Thompson—convicted of two murders—to walk freely through the dim corridors and meet a staff member in a linen closet.
Inmate Sexually Abused by Juvenile Detention Facility Worker
What followed, captured on a smuggled cellphone, has sparked outrage and exposed deep cracks in the security and oversight of the state’s only maximum-security institution for male offenders aged 17 to 25.
Hidden Encounters and Contraband Exposed
The video evidence revealed a sexual encounter between Thompson and security officer Emily Baker, lasting 18 minutes during lockdown hours. Baker was later sentenced to seven years in prison for custodial sexual misconduct and smuggling contraband. Her actions were aided by another staff member, Jerry Graham, who unlocked Thompson’s cell — raising questions about how much he knew.
Three months before Baker’s arrest, former employee Michelle Goodman recorded similar acts with another inmate in the facility’s locker room. Goodman pleaded guilty in September to misconduct and contraband charges and is awaiting sentencing.
WA Abuse Lawyer Explains Legal Options for Victims of Misconduct Inside Juvenile Facilities
Following recent misconduct revelations at Green Hill School, questions have emerged over how victims and families can hold institutions accountable. Washington attorney Mike Pfau, who has represented survivors of sexual abuse in correctional and state-run facilities, discussed the civil remedies available to those harmed while in custody and the steps survivors can take to protect their rights.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: With cases like those at Green Hill, what legal actions can families take if their loved one was harmed while in state custody?
Mike Pfau, Esq.: Families can bring civil lawsuits against the state and the individual employees responsible. Washington law allows survivors of abuse in juvenile or detention settings to file claims for damages, arguing negligence or institutional failure to protect them. If the state knew or should have known about these patterns and did nothing, liability becomes even stronger.
Banville: Are there specific challenges survivors face in these cases?
Pfau: Yes, absolutely. Many victims in juvenile facilities fear retaliation or don’t fully understand their rights. But our courts have recognized that staff sexual abuse in custody is a violation of both state law and federal civil rights protections. Families should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved.
Take Action and Protect Your Rights
Victims of abuse in state-run or juvenile detention facilities deserve justice and accountability. If you or a loved one were harmed by staff misconduct at Green Hill School or another Washington facility, our experienced legal team is here to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options and take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.
