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Were you abused at Riverside Juvenile Hall?

RIVERSIDE JUVENILE HALL SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS

GGH Law represents survivors of sexual abuse at Riverside Juvenile Hall in Riverside County, California. Talk to us about what happened. The consultation is free and confidential. SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

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The Case

Why is Riverside Juvenile Hall Under Investigation?

Survivors of sexual abuse at Riverside Juvenile Hall in California allegedly suffered predatory grooming and misconduct by staff while in Riverside County custody. GGH is actively investigating these allegations and pursuing lawsuits and legal cases for individuals seeking justice against the Riverside County Probation Department for these institutional failures.

Riverside Juvenile Hall, also known as the Riverside Juvenile Detention Center, was a secure facility located at 3933 Harrison Street in Riverside, California. Managed by the Riverside County Probation Department, the facility served as a primary detention hub for minors until its closure in 2020. Despite its intended role in rehabilitation, factual reports indicate that the hall was allegedly an environment where staff members allegedly exploited children. These incidents involved a pattern of staff misconduct where individuals in positions of authority allegedly used their power to manipulate and harm children.

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WERE YOU
SEXUALLY ABUSED?
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Major Allegations and Legal Updates

Significant legal developments have highlighted systemic issues at the facility. In January 2025, a former Riverside County corrections officer, Cecilia Pulido, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including the alleged sexual assault of a juvenile inmate (Los Angeles Times).

Beyond individual arrests, the county has faced broader scrutiny regarding its treatment of youth. According to CBS News, a separate yearlong investigation in September 2025 led to the arrest of Antoine Christopher Sims, an employee at a licensed residential treatment facility for minors in Riverside County, following allegations of a predatory pattern involving grooming and unlawful sexual contact with multiple residents. These cases are part of a wider trend in California, where large-scale settlements — such as the $4 billion resolution in neighboring Los Angeles — are setting a precedent for how counties address historical and ongoing abuse claims in juvenile halls (ABC7).

Key Details

a. Primary Defendants

  • Riverside County Probation Department: The agency responsible for the daily operations and supervision of the facility.
  • Riverside County: The municipal entity liable for the oversight and safety of minors in its custody.

b. Time Period Covered

The documented allegations span several decades. While the facility itself closed in 2020, ongoing lawsuits address incidents occurring as far back as the 1980s and 1990s, as well as more recent cases involving staff hired as late as 2023.

c. Core Allegations

  • Unlawful Sexual Contact: Allegations that staff members engaged in sexual acts with minor detainees.
  • Grooming Behavior: Reports indicate staff used “predatory behavior” and “inappropriate communication” to manipulate youth (CBS News).
  • Institutional Neglect: Claims the county failed to properly screen employees, ignore warning signs, and failed to investigate reports of misconduct adequately.
  • Retaliation: Some lawsuits allege that youth were threatened with extended confinement or disciplinary action if they reported the abuse.

d. Current Litigation Status

As of 2026, multiple civil lawsuits are moving through the Riverside County Superior Court. Many of these cases are utilizing Assembly Bill 218, which extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to file claims until their 40th birthday. Criminal proceedings against recently arrested staff members, such as Cecilia Pulido and Antoine Sims, are also currently active.

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County Responsibility

Riverside County holds a non-delegable duty to ensure a safe environment for all children in its detention and treatment centers. Legal filings argue the county failed in its responsibility by maintaining “inadequate training and accountability” for probation officers. According to reports, the county’s social services and probation departments have a history of misconduct, including “botched child abuse investigations” where workers allegedly failed to protect children despite multiple opportunities to intervene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riverside Juvenile Hall still open?

No, the facility was closed by the Riverside County Probation Department in 2020. However, the county continues to operate other youth centers where similar allegations have surfaced.

What is the “lookback” window for these claims?

California law, specifically AB 218, provides a “lookback” period that revives many previously expired claims. Survivors generally have until age 40 to file a civil lawsuit for abuse that occurred while they were minors.

Who was recently arrested for abuse in Riverside youth facilities?

In 2025, two individuals were prominently charged: Cecilia Pulido, a former probation officer, and Antoine Christopher Sims, an employee at a licensed treatment facility in San Jacinto (CBS News).

Can I sue if the abuse happened decades ago?

Yes. Due to changes in California’s statute of limitations, many survivors are now eligible to file claims for abuse that took place in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Contact Us

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.