Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed After Guard Sexually Assaulted Child in D.C. Detention Facility
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Washington, D.C. – EPW Law PLLC and Bernadette Armand Law PLLC have filed a civil rights lawsuit on behalf of a young woman, who was sexually assaulted as a child at D.C.’s Youth Services Center, by Youth Development Representative Kelvin Powell. For months, Powell used his position of authority to lure her into empty cells and offices in the detention center and sexually assault her. In one instance, surveillance cameras capture him grabbing her buttocks in an open area with no one else present. Behind closed doors, his abuses escalated to rape, according to the complaint. On July 1, 2025 Powell was found guilty of sixteen counts of sexual assault including First Degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor and related charges.
The complaint, filed in D.C. Superior Court, outlines disturbing allegations that the District of Columbia and the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) overlooked prior reports of sexual assault by Kevin Powell against other minor girls detained in the locked facility. According to the complaint, DC and DYRS failed to properly investigate sexual abuse, adequately staff YSC to detect and prevent sexual abuse, failed to employ and adhere to Prison Rape Elimination Act standards, and failed in its security and staff supervision measures.
The lawsuit alleges that these systemic failures make D.C. liable for the gruesome acts that have occurred in this facility. “This case is about accountability and protection of the most vulnerable,” said E. Paige White, founder of EPW Law. “Our client was harmed not just by an individual actor, but by a system that ignored every warning sign. We’re here to change that,“ added Bernadette Armand, for Bernadette Armand Law.
The case seeks compensatory and punitive damages, systemic policy reforms, and injunctive relief to prevent future abuse.
About EPW Law PLLC
EPW Law PLLC is a boutique law firm based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Led by attorney E. Paige White, the firm delivers fierce, personalized representation to those marginalized by the justice system. EPW Law is committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that public institutions and government officials are held accountable for the harm they cause, especially to those who are often overlooked or silenced. Learn more at www.epwlawpllc.com.
About Bernadette Armand Law PLLC
Bernadette Armand Law is a firm dedicated to challenging civil rights abuses and other injustices at work, in our communities and in the criminal justice system. Serving the DC metro area, the firm fights relentlessly and compassionately for clients and communities. For more info on how Bernadette Armand Law can help you get justice in your civil rights, employment, injury or criminal case, contact her at bernadette@armandlaw.com
Media Contact:
E. Paige White
EPW Law PLLC
(202) 938-0363
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