McCracken County Juvenile Detention Abuse

The McCracken County Juvenile Detention Center, or MRJDC, is a youth correctional facility in Paducah, Kentucky. Founded in 1999, it houses male adolescents charged with low-level crimes. While the facility claims to provide “a safe and secure place for youth to learn and grow into well-rounded and productive community members,” it has faced numerous allegations of abuse.

If you or your loved one has experienced mistreatment at the hands of this facility and its employees, you have rights and options for pursuing justice. Police Brutality Center can connect you with a compassionate attorney who can pursue.

Were you or a loved one a victim of police brutality?

Attorneys that work with Police Brutality Center may be able to assist you.

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Content Last Updated: May 2, 2025

Key Takeaways

McCracken County Juvenile Detention Center has a history of abuse, with recent cases of excessive force and neglect sparking legal action and staff firings.
Youths at MRJDC are protected by the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, which ensure freedom from cruel treatment and the right to medical care and due process.
If you or a loved one suffered mistreatment at MRJDC, contact the Police Brutality Center for legal support and to seek compensation for the harm experienced.

Incidents and Legal Challenges at McCracken County Juvenile Detention

Several notable incidents of abuse have taken place at MRJDC that have resulted in criminal investigations and administrative upheaval.

A grand jury has indicted an MRJDC guard over allegations that he had broken the arms of two adolescent inmates in October 2024. Correctional Captain Tyler G. Lynn allegedly used excessive force during separate restraining incidents, which resulted in the two minors’ injuries. He faces charges on two counts of second-degree criminal abuse.

According to news reports, security footage at MRJDC revealed that medical staff improperly assessed the injuries of the two males, providing only ibuprofen. They were allegedly not taken to the hospital until three days later. The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice became aware of the situation only after another juvenile reported it.

Lynn was fired in December 2024. He was arrested in March 2025 and is currently being held in the McCracken County Jail pending trial.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice has since fired MRJDC Superintendent Eric Lewis and Deputy Superintendent Felicia Weatherspoon-Howe for failing to prevent excessive force, ensure prompt and proper medical care, and report the incidents. The department’s investigation is continuing, and additional disciplinary actions are pending.

Legal Rights for Survivors of McCracken County Abuse

Youths detained in juvenile detention centers have legal rights, including the following:

The Eighth Amendment protects individuals from cruel and unusual punishment. In detention facilities, the employees cannot use excessive force or inhumane conditions against the adolescent detainees.
The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees all citizens due process and equal protection under the law. These protections include the right to safe and humane treatment for detainees at youth facilities. It also entitles detainees to adequate medical care and protection against discrimination and harmful punishment.

These amendments protect detainees from excessive force by juvenile detention facility employees. Excessive force refers to any action that goes beyond what is necessary or jeopardizes safety, including:

Filing a Civil Claim

If you or your loved one has been harmed by abuse at the McCracken County Juvenile Detention Center, you might be entitled to file a lawsuit to pursue justice. You can file suit against the perpetrators who caused your harm and the institutions that enabled the abuse, including the state. In a civil lawsuit, you can seek to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and pursue compensation for your injuries.

A successful claim can recover monetary damages to compensate for medical expenses, therapy bills, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and more.

When Is the State Liable for Abuse?

The state runs detention facilities like the McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Center. As a result, the government itself may be held accountable for abuse under certain circumstances.

Those harmed by abuse can file a civil lawsuit against a state agency, such as the Department of Juvenile Justice, under the following circumstances:

Police Brutality Center can connect you with a dedicated juvenile detention center abuse attorney who can review your case and help determine if you are eligible for compensation. Contact us today for more information.

Resources for Victims of Abuse at McCracken County Juvenile Detention Center

The Internal Investigations Branch is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse or neglect of youth in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. To submit a report about an incident at the McCracken County Juvenile Detention Center, you can call the Internal Investigations hotline at (800) 890-6854.

When making a report, you must provide the following information:

In addition, you can contact the McCracken County Attorney’s Office to report suspected criminal activity.

However, before reporting the abuse, it’s best to speak with a knowledgeable civil rights lawyer who can provide legal guidance and protect your rights. Police Brutality Center works with a network of experienced and dedicated attorneys who handle juvenile detention abuse cases. A knowledgeable attorney can answer your questions and advise you about the best path for pursuing justice.

Get in Touch With a Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has experienced abuse at the McCracken County Juvenile Detention Center or any other juvenile facility, you have rights and options to pursue justice. However, compiling evidence, obtaining records and videos, and building a case on your own can be difficult. You don’t need to go it alone.

At Police Brutality Center, we can connect you with a knowledgeable attorney who will represent you and fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation.