Employee at West Virginia Adolescent Treatment Facility Charged with Sexual Abuse
Unfortunately, WSAZ has reported another case of sexual abuse at a residential facility for adolescents. Recently, Austin Day was arrested and charged with sexual abuse. According to court documents, these charges alleged that he committed several criminal offenses against underage victims between December 2023 and July 2024. Day is accused of perpetrating the abuse while he was a shift supervisor at the Barboursville School.
At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we have been at the forefront of representing victims in cases similar to this. Sadly, despite the best efforts of law enforcement and the community, they continue to happen in West Virginia. Let’s examine the facts of this recent case.
Details of This Recent Case
Until recently, Austin Day worked as a shift supervisor at an adolescent residential treatment facility. In the criminal complaint, there are two separate allegations against him. The first one alleges that Day entered a victim’s cottage. He requested the minor to take explicit photographs using his cell phone in the bathroom. This incident took place as he was employed at the facility.
Regarding the second offense, Day is accused of pursuing a victim who had fled into a wooded area by herself. Since he was the sole supervisor on the shift, he chased the victim. Once he caught up with her, Day allegedly instructed her to continue running to a specific location. As they reach a secluded area by the Guyandotte River, Day is accused of sexually abusing the victim.
All these charges are based on statements taken from the victims during an interview. These allegations resulted in Day being charged with sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust to a child. He also faces charges for filming sexually explicit conduct of a minor.
Barboursville School Is Under Scrutiny
Day was employed at the Barboursville School at the time of the alleged incident. This residential treatment center specializes in supporting vulnerable youth residents. However, with today’s arrest, the facility has come under scrutiny.
Schools, especially residential programs, have an obligation to keep their students safe. These institutions are entrusted with the care of some of the most vulnerable members of society. Many times, they are dealing with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or have special needs. The alleged actions of Day are another reminder of the potential for abuse within these settings and how these facilities and administrators have breached their duty of care.
Many times, these schools and facilities lack the training, oversight, and procedures to keep their students safe. As a result, we often learn about an incident of a person in power who has used their position to prey on these vulnerable individuals.
When strict measures are not in place, the consequences can be devastating. Often, victims of abuse suffer long-term psychological and emotional damage. In turn, the trust in these institutions is undermined in the community. The case of Austin Day highlights the need for increased accountability within residential treatment centers and other facilities that care for children and adolescents.
Taking the Next Steps Forward
At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we are committed to advocating for victims’ rights and pushing for changes that will prevent these incidents in the future. Over the years, we have handled many cases of abuse in the state of West Virginia. Many of these cases involve children and adolescents in the care of school or residential facility staff members.
Victims of any type of sexual abuse deserve to be heard and bring their perpetrators to justice. If you or a loved one may have experienced abuse, we always offer confidential consultations for your potential case.
