Kern County Juvenile Hall Lawsuit & Investigations

Table of Contents

• Lawsuit Timeline
• Legal Help
• FAQs

Serious allegations of sexual abuse have surfaced at James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall (Kern County Juvenile Hall), where correctional officers were accused of exploiting minors in custody. Over the years, survivors have filed multiple lawsuits against Kern County, leading to both criminal trials and significant civil settlements. Under California’s extended statute of limitations laws, survivors continue to come forward, and investigations into misconduct at the facility remain active.

The attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors are actively pursuing claims against Kern County Juvenile Hall. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct as a result of the juvenile detention center, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Get started with your case by calling (800) 509-9747 or tell us what happened online – always 100% free and confidential.

Lawsuit Timeline: Kern County Juvenile Hall

2025 (Ongoing outreach & filings)

• 2025 – Continued survivor outreach & filings. Plaintiff-side firms continue to solicit and file claims specifically naming Kern County Juvenile Hall / James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall, citing earlier rulings and settlements.

2024 (Statute-of-limitations update)

• Jan. 1, 2024 – CA SOL change for new childhood-abuse claims. California eliminates the filing deadline for childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2024 (separate from prior look-back windows), prompting renewed outreach and filings statewide.

2020 (Pivotal Ninth Circuit ruling & settlements)

• Sept.–Dec. 2020 – Civil cases resolve. Following the Ninth Circuit ruling, multiple Juvenile Hall cases settle. Public reporting notes several six-figure settlements with Kern County tied to Anderson-related suits.
• Jan. 31, 2020 – Ninth Circuit reversal in Vazquez v. County of Kern. The court reverses summary judgment for the County and officers (including George Anderson), holding that a juvenile’s claims—sexual comments, grooming, and watching her shower..

2018 (Facility oversight/conditions litigation)

• Feb. 2018 – Class action filed (conditions). T.G. et al. v. County of Kern challenges systemic practices impacting youth with disabilities in county juvenile facilities; later receives preliminary settlement approval (Dec. 4, 2019).
• Jan. 2018 – Disability Rights CA investigation. A published investigation finds abuse and neglect of youth with disabilities at Kern County juvenile facilities, citing violations of disability and constitutional law.

2017 (District-court orders in civil cases)

• 2017 – Federal district-court proceedings. Eastern District of California orders in related cases outline allegations that officer George Anderson (and in another case Cesar Navejar) sexually assaulted minors at Juvenile Hall; these cases proceed through dispositive motions.

2016 (Criminal verdict & more civil filings)

• Oct. 13, 2016 – Survivor speaks out. One plaintiff publicly describes alleged abuse by a guard at the facility.
• Sept. 30, 2016 – New civil lawsuit. A lawsuit names officer George (Greg) Anderson, alleging he sexually abused a teenage girl in custody; attorneys also announce additional filings.
• Mar. 15, 2016 – Factual innocence denied. A Kern County judge refuses to declare Navejar “factually innocent,” finding investigators had reasonable cause for the arrest despite the acquittal.
• Mar. 9, 2016 – Criminal acquittal. A jury acquits officer Cesar Navejar on all counts related to the alleged assault.

2015 (First waves of civil claims & suits)

• Oct. 29, 2015 – Federal complaints filed. Two girls file separate federal civil actions alleging sexual assaults by different Juvenile Hall correctional officers.
• March 2015 – Details go public. Follow-up reporting names the charged officer (Navejar) and notes authorities were evaluating potential charges against a second officer.
• March 2015 – Government claims filed. A Bakersfield firm files tort claims on behalf of two girls alleging sexual assaults at James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall—precursor to civil suits against the County.

2014 (Criminal charges)

September 2014 – Officer charged. The Kern County D.A. files five felony counts against Juvenile Hall officer Cesar Holguin Navejar tied to alleged sexual assault of a teenage detainee.

Get A Free Case Evaluation From Kayla’s Survivors

If you or a loved one has suffered abuse, assault, or sexual misconduct as a result of Camp Erwin Owen and its staff members, call (800) 509-9747 or request a free case evaluation online. Our attorneys are here to listen and provide support – 100% free and confidential.

The child sexual abuse attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors and have held countless organizations accountable, including juvenile detention centers like Camp Erwin Owen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can file a claim against James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall?

Anyone who was sexually abused, harassed, or subjected to misconduct while detained at the facility may be eligible. This includes abuse by staff, contractors, or if the county failed to protect youth from peer-on-peer abuse.

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How much time do I have to file a claim?

California law allows childhood survivors to file civil claims up until age 40, or within 5 years of discovering the harm caused by the sexual abuse. Under recent changes, there is no statute of limitations for abuse occurring in 2024 and beyond. An attorney can help you better understand your legal options and help you file your claim.

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Can I remain anonymous if I pursue a lawsuit?

Yes, California courts often allow survivors to use initials or pseudonyms in sexual abuse cases, which allows them to protect their identities. This means you can remain anonymous by filing the lawsuit against Camp Erwin Owen under a pseudonym like “Jane Doe”.

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