Judge: Ohio juvenile center lawsuit unnecessary

COLUMBUS (AP) — A juvenile court judge is criticizing a federal lawsuit that alleges harsh treatment of youth at an Ohio detention center, including prolonged solitary detention.

Judge Timothy Williams of Washington County Juvenile Court today defended the county detention center’s policies and the actions of its staff.

Judge Williams says the court’s top priority is ensuring the health and safety of juveniles in the justice system.

The lawsuit filed Monday alleges youth were locked in detention cells up to 23 hours a day, denied medical care and forced to clean bathrooms and gyms on their knees with toothbrushes.

Judge Williams says mediation would have been preferable to the cost of a lawsuit.