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Were you abused at Brookwood Secure Center for Youth?

BROOKWOOD SECURE CENTER SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS

GGH Law represents survivors of sexual abuse at Brookwood Secure Center for Youth in New York. Our attorneys are ready to listen and help you understand your options. SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

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Introduction

A former psychologist at the Brookwood Secure Center for Youth in New York was arrested and charged with 65 sex crimes after sexually abusing multiple teenage boys at the state-run juvenile detention facility between 2020 and 2022, according to a federal lawsuit.

The psychologist, Maya Hayes, 44, of Albany, allegedly began sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy three months after he was detained at the facility. Hayes reportedly raped him about 30 times during one-on-one counseling sessions between August 2021 and December 2022. The assaults primarily took place in Hayes’ office, which had no cameras and where she had covered the glass window, violating facility policies.

The lawsuit claimed that staff members at the detention center were aware of the abuse but failed to report it. Instead, they mocked the victim, referring to Hayes by the nickname “Big Foot” and making inappropriate comments about the situation. The lawsuit accused 22 other staff members of enabling and ignoring the abuse.

Hayes allegedly manipulated and groomed the teen to gain his trust, prolonging counseling sessions and forcing him into sexual acts. Hayes also reportedly coerced the teen into asking his parents to send her up to $100 through Cash App, under the pretense of covering meal and hygiene costs.

Beyond the sexual abuse, the lawsuit alleged that Hayes organized fights between inmates for her own entertainment, forcing the plaintiff and others to participate in brawls.

The plaintiff, now an adult, stated that the abuse caused him severe physical, emotional, and psychological harm. He filed a federal lawsuit demanding a jury trial and seeking damages.

Hayes was charged with 62 counts of third-degree criminal sexual acts and three counts of third-degree rape. She no longer works for the facility, which is operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 

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The legal journey in sexual abuse cases requires more than just expertise—it requires empathy, sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. At GGH, we understand the profound impact that sexual abuse has on survivors and their families. We stand firm in our belief that survivors of sexual abuse have the right to seek justice, hold perpetrators accountable, and begin the process of healing.

The GGH team is dedicated to ensuring that survivors' voices are heard and their stories respected. We are here to help you navigate the legal process with care and confidence, advocating for the justice and closure you deserve.

Contact GGH Today for a free consultation at (312) 728-7444 or contact us online.

ACCOUNTABLITY FOR SURVIVORS:
THE GGH ADVANDAGE
Gould Grieco & Hensley (GGH) is a prestigious, boutique national personal injury firm that serves as a relentless advocate for victims of abuse and catastrophic injuries. Recognized as "Innovators of Law," the firm combines world-class legal expertise with state-of-the-art technology—including agile project management and cutting-edge trial techniques—to secure unprecedented results against the world’s largest institutional defendants. With a proven track record that includes global settlements exceeding $2 billion and individual verdicts surpassing $550 million, their award-winning attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis to ensure justice is accessible without upfront costs. From the courtroom to features in The New York Times and Forbes, Gould Grieco and Hensley remains dedicated to turning strategic precision and aggressive litigation into life-changing outcomes for their clients.