Chehalis, WA — A juvenile at Green Hill School, a facility for young offenders, is facing serious charges after allegedly assaulting a female staff member and engaging in further violent acts against others within the facility. The 17-year old, who has been charged as an adult, reportedly inflicted substantial injuries and exhibited threatening behavior earlier this June.
Green Hill School came under scrutiny when a 17-year-old inmate allegedly assaulted a staff member and caused chaos by attacking others, spotlighting ongoing issues at the juvenile center. Authorities were alerted to these incidents on June 14, following a violent episode the previous day.
According to the Lewis County Superior Court documents, Dezmen Michael Belgarde faces multiple charges including six counts of custodial assault and counts for attempted robbery, second-degree assault, and intimidating a public servant. On June 13, Belgarde allegedly assaulted the staff member, seized her keys, and repeatedly struck her, which prompted intervention from another staff member and an inmate.
Following the initial assault, Belgarde was restrained and moved to another area within the facility. However, his aggressive behavior continued as he reportedly threatened staff and attempted to steal handcuffs. Additionally, he was accused of throwing a bottle filled with urine at staff members during the transfer.
Despite these incidents, Belgarde remained in custody at Green Hill School as of his latest court hearing on July 16. His arraignment was scheduled for July 18. Due to the severity of his alleged offenses and his pending custody term at Green Hill, the decision was made to keep him at the facility throughout his legal proceedings.
This outbreak of violence coincides with broader security and management concerns at Green Hill School. Following these events, the Washington state Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) removed 43 adult offenders from the facility and halted new admissions to manage safety concerns and overcrowding issues. The facility, which now houses around 200 residents, operates over its ideal capacity of 180.
Allison Krutsinger, DCYF’s director of public affairs, expressed hopes that these measures would aid in stabilizing the environment, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in achieving a safe and rehabilitative setting. These issues are aggravated by overcrowding, contributor to a rise in crime rates at the facility, including drug possession and various felony charges.
Earlier in 2023, the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted a raid at Green Hill, seizing contraband and highlighting the need for stringent security measures. Although State Senator John Braun of Centralia has called for a thorough investigation of the facility’s operations, Governor Jay Inslee has countered such requests by pointing to ongoing improvement efforts.
The case of Dezmen Michael Belgarde not only raises questions about individual accountability and rehabilitation but also underscores broader systemic issues within juvenile detention centers like Green Hill. The facility’s struggles with capacity and safety not only impact its ability to function effectively but also highlight the critical balance required between security measures and the rehabilitative needs of its young inmates.