“Our investigation found evidence that juveniles were routinely hit, shoved and slapped by staff, that juveniles were sprayed with pepper spray while in restraints,”
“In some cases suicidal girls were stripped naked and isolated for extended time periods in windowless empty 'dark rooms' with only a drain in the cement floor to serve as a toilet.”
“The conditions at Oakley and Columbia are unconscionable, ... This is no way to set juvenile offenders on the course to law-abiding and productive lives.”
“Mississippi officials have taken some important first steps toward reform, ... Despite some initial progress, we have been unable to obtain agreement on an in-court settlement.”
“Trafficking in persons for sexual purposes is a debased and degrading practice which must be stopped, ... The department is committed to eradicating this evil.”
“None of this was true. There were no flights. There were no children being rescued. There were no medical supplies being flown. There was no 7-month-old baby who needed a transplant. In fact, he didn't even have a pilot's license,”