Washington Youth Detention Facility Pays Millions in Sex Abuse Settlements Against Staff

The state of Washington has quietly paid out millions in settlements to former residents of Green Hill School, a maximum-security youth detention facility in Chehalis, where male offenders have allegedly endured years of sexual abuse by staff. Since 2018, the state has settled claims amounting to over $4.4 million, with more lawsuits expected as the facility faces ongoing scrutiny.

Recent Sexual Misconduct Allegations

In the most recent incidents, two staff members, Angel M. Misner and Emily N. Baker, have been charged with sexual misconduct involving a 21-year-old inmate, Robbrie Thompson. Misner, 32, is accused of custodial sexual misconduct, while Baker, 29, faces charges of witness tampering and abuse of office. Both women allegedly engaged in sexual activities with Thompson, who is currently serving a 40-year sentence for murder.

Court documents reveal audio and video evidence supporting the allegations. Misner was reportedly caught on internal video kissing Thompson, and police uncovered suggestive photos of both women on Thompson’s phone. Additionally, Baker and Thompson were captured on security footage spending 18 minutes in a supply closet together, further fueling the investigation.

Long History of Abuse at Green Hill School

These recent cases are part of a long and troubling history of abuse at Green Hill, dating back to the 1970s. Public records requested by KING 5 reveal that 23 current or former residents have filed claims against the school since 2018, citing various forms of abuse by staff members. One of the victims, Sam Hawkins, alleged that he was sexually abused by a staff member named Janae in 1991. Hawkins was awarded $325,000 in a settlement in 2021, though the state admitted no wrongdoing.

The school, which houses male offenders aged 17 to 25, has been criticized for its handling of abuse allegations. In many cases, staff members accused of sexual misconduct have resigned in lieu of facing termination or criminal charges. One such staff member, Erin Stiebritz Snodgrass, was convicted of a sex crime after becoming pregnant with a resident’s child and later married the inmate. Claims against her also include allegations of sexual relations with underage residents.

Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Response

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), which oversees Green Hill School, has faced increasing pressure to address these issues. The agency recently acknowledged an uptick in the number of tort claims following the implementation of HB 1618, a law that eliminates the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims. The claims settled since 2018, however, predate the law’s passage.

Despite the growing number of legal cases, DCYF insists that it has a "zero tolerance" policy for sexual abuse. The department stated that it encourages residents to report any abuse and offers multiple avenues for doing so. However, DCYF has faced criticism for transferring residents who report abuse to adult prisons, where educational and rehabilitative opportunities are limited.

Legal Assistance for Victims of Sexual Abuse

If you or someone you know has been a victim of abuse at a youth detention facility or similar institution, it is crucial to seek legal guidance. Victims deserve justice and accountability from the institutions meant to protect them.

Contact Oshan & Associates

At Oshan & Associates, we are dedicated to helping survivors of abuse seek justice and hold negligent organizations accountable. Our experienced attorneys are ready to assist you in filing a claim and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

For a confidential consultation, please contact Oshan & Associates at (206) 335-3880.

---

Also in Childhood Sexual Abuse