A years-long civil lawsuit against Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center (CCJDC) for unsafe and unlawful conditions has ended in a settlement with mandated reforms. The consent decree, approved by Federal Judge David C. Norton on December 10, 2025, involves CCJDC, Charleston County School District, and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office committing to improvements without admitting liability.
Lawsuit Background
Filed July 25, 2020, the suit by Disability Rights SC (pro bono via Nelson Mullins) targeted “medieval” conditions and leadership indifference, naming former Sheriff J. Al Cannon Jr., Assistant Sheriff Mitch Lucas, Chief Deputy Willis Beatty, and the school district. Post-filing, youth were relocated from the 1967 facility to Al Cannon Detention Center, away from adults. Charleston County then launched a $14 million project for a new facility nearby.
Key Reforms
The three-year agreement sets standards for classification, intake, medical/mental health care, suicide prevention, education, programming, behavior management, staff training, use of force, restraints, room confinement, disability accommodations, grievances, and monitoring. An independent expert will oversee compliance.
Statements and Outlook
Nelson Mullins partner Robert Brunson noted significant improvements since filing, with the decree ensuring lasting changes. New Sheriff Carl Ritchie, in office since January 2025, affirmed commitment to a safe, rehabilitative environment and collaboration with the monitor for accountability. The settlement spans multiple sheriff administrations, emphasizing ongoing rights-respecting standards for detained youth.
