The district attorney in Marion County said Monday she will investigate the conditions and management of the state’s largest youth prison after dozens of youth claimed they were sexually abused while housed at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn.

The district attorney, Paige Clarkson, convened a grand jury after her office received more than 100 investigations of potential criminal contact in just the past 12 months. The investigations include escapes, contraband possession, physical assaults on both youth and staff, and sexual assault, according to a news release from her office.

Clarkson said she has grown “increasingly concerned.”

“While we are accustomed to working with the Oregon State Police to manage cases arising from the numerous correctional facilities within our jurisdiction, the sheer number and seriousness of these MacLaren investigations is almost overwhelming,” Clarkson said in a statement Monday evening.

In the past several months, there have been several allegations of misconduct at Oregon Youth Authority and a handful of civil lawsuits filed. The allegations started to build momentum after revelations that there was a backlog of complaints at the youth authority.

The youth authority is part of the state’s juvenile justice system. It oversees and operates five youth correctional facilities and four transitional facilities, including MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. The governor fired the head of the Oregon Youth Authority in March.

“Unfortunately, the more we learn regarding what occurred under OYA’s former leadership, the more that I believe that I should use every tool I have to ensure that both youth and the staff who serve them are safe,” Clarkson said.

The grand jury proceedings will be confidential. But the grand jury will issue a report, which will be released to the public. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office said they expect a report by the end of the year.

Will Howell, a spokesperson for the youth authority, pointed out that the Marion County District Attorney is required to look into the condition of every correctional facility and youth correctional facility in their county annually.

“Public trust and confidence are critical to our success, so we are grateful that Marion County is using its annual oversight process in this way,” Howell said in a statement. “As always, OYA will promptly and thoroughly respond to requests the DA’s office makes. We intend to be nothing but open and transparent.”

Sen. Anthony Broadman, a Democrat from Bend who co-chairs the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety, said he was grateful to the district attorney and Oregon Department of Justice for investigating.

“Maintaining the public’s trust in this state facility—and ensuring the safety and well-being of the youth it serves—are vital for a just and humane Oregon," he said in a statement.

Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, who also co-chairs the public safety committee, said he’s eager to see the grand jury’s report.

“We will not hesitate to implement reforms, ensure accountability, and make the changes necessary to protect those under the state’s supervision,” Evans said in a statement.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/06/17/marion-county-district-attorney-oregon-youth-facility-maclaren-grand-jury/