Lawsuit filed against Lee County Youth Development Center over alleged sexual abuse of resident

OPELIKA, Ala. (WTVM) - A lawsuit filed Wednesday in Lee County Circuit Court claims a 14-year-old resident was sexually abused at the Lee County Youth Development Center in October 2023.The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the boy’s mother. It says the boy was allegedly sexually assaulted by his 16-year-old roommate about three years ago.What the lawsuit allegesThe alleged assault happened while the boy was at the facility seeking behavioral mental health treatment.The lawsuit claims the center failed to supervise residents, train staff, and respond to and prevent the risks that lead to this kind of abuse.“We want to shine a light on what happened, and I believe when the light shines in places like this the rats scatter and it demands improvement,” Attorney Tommy James, said.Report and charges“He was there approximately one month and then was sexually abused by his roommate, who had some issues with inappropriateness behavior in the past,” James said.“His roommate did this and he was sca