ASHLAND, Ohio — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a story published on Feb. 3, 2021.
On Wednesday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that he has filed a lawsuit against the owners of Mohican Young Star Academy in Ashland, after numerous reports of abuse and negligence were reported within the facility.
AG Yost filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) within the Ashland County Common Pleas Court, and the suit asks that Olga Starr, owner of the establishment, from continuing her operations.
“These youth were in need of treatment and compassion but instead were held down and traumatized,” AG Yost said. “There’s a clear line between therapy and abuse and that’s why we are before the court.”
The center in Perrysville is a residential establishment, in which young Ohio citizens are able to be treated for mental health and substance abuse issues, according to a letter from the Attorney General's office.
Yost said on Wednesday that following an investigation, which involved interviewing residents, the office of the Attorney General found that multiple patients were improperly restrained and/or abused during their stay, with video evidence confirming the negligence.
“Our priority is the safety, health, and well-being of these youth. What they experienced at the hands of adults who should have been providing hope and healing is abusive and unacceptable,” said Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Lori Criss. “I am grateful for the bravery of those who spoke up, and I appreciate the urgent and careful work of our staff and the Attorney General to protect them and ensure they can safely continue their treatment and recovery.”
Yost has asked the court to immediately place another licensed provider in control of the facility, as he notes, that there is a "present danger to the health and safety of the youth residing at Mohican," under the current management. The Ohio Attorney General petitioned for the Wingspan Care Group to take over the facility.