Eric P. v. Cumberland County Complaint

Eric P. v. Cumberland County was filed on behalf of a young boy who was sexually assaulted by an older adolescent in a county jail cell. The assault was the result of inadequate screening of new inmates by correctional personnel and inadequate supervision. Attorneys also argued in the lawsuit that the Cumberland County Jail did not assure proper separation of juveniles and adults. In December 1987, the defendants entered into a settlement agreement whereby children would never again be incarcerated in the jail. The county agreed to construct a new facility for children within two years. In the interim, defendants agreed to institute special procedures to assure protection of juveniles and separation of adults and children at the jail.