Personal Injury Law Firm in Seattle Washington. Free case evaluation 206-335-3880
The state of Washington has paid over $4.4 million in settlements to former residents of Green Hill School, a maximum-security youth detention facility in Chehalis, amid allegations of sexual abuse by staff members. These settlements, covering claims from 23 current or former residents, reveal a troubling pattern of misconduct dating back to the 1970s.
The most recent cases involve staff members Angel M. Misner and Emily N. Baker, who were accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with a 21-year-old inmate, Robbrie Thompson. Misner, 32, has been charged with custodial sexual misconduct, while Baker, 29, faces charges of witness tampering and abuse of office.
According to investigators, internal video footage shows Misner kissing Thompson, and phone recordings reveal Misner admitting to having sex with the inmate. Baker, who was arrested later, allegedly conspired with Misner to obstruct the investigation. Police also found compromising photos of both women on Thompson’s phone, further supporting the allegations.
These recent arrests are not isolated incidents. Public records show that Green Hill School has been the subject of numerous sexual abuse claims over several decades. In one case from 1991, Sam Hawkins, a former resident, alleged that a security officer named Janae engaged in sexual misconduct with him when he was a youth offender. Hawkins was awarded $325,000 in a settlement in 2021.
There is also evidence that Green Hill staff members who were accused of sexual misconduct often resigned rather than face termination or criminal prosecution. Some, like Erin Stiebritz Snodgrass, even went on to marry former inmates with whom they had relationships while working at the facility. Stiebritz Snodgrass was convicted of a sex crime in 2016 after becoming pregnant with a resident’s child.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), which oversees Green Hill School, is bracing for a surge in lawsuits following the implementation of HB 1618, a new law that eliminates the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims. Although the recent settlements predate the law’s enactment, DCYF anticipates more legal challenges as former residents come forward with claims of abuse that span decades.
In response to these allegations, DCYF has stated that it maintains a “zero tolerance” policy for sexual abuse and encourages residents to report any misconduct. However, critics argue that the agency’s efforts to address abuse have been insufficient. There are also concerns that residents who report abuse are often transferred to adult prison facilities, where they face limited rehabilitation opportunities and greater challenges.
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse at a youth detention facility, it is essential to seek legal guidance. Institutions responsible for the safety of vulnerable youth must be held accountable for the harm caused by their negligence.
At Oshan & Associates, we are committed to helping victims of institutional abuse find justice and compensation. Our experienced legal team is ready to assist you in navigating the legal process and ensuring that your voice is heard.
For a confidential consultation, please contact Oshan & Associates at (206) 335-3880.
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