Franklin Mom Says Sick Son Was Held In Solitary, Molested At Williamson County Detention Center

FRANKLIN, TN — The mother of a teenage boy is suing Williamson County, claiming her son was held in solitary confinement for weeks and was molested by a guard in 2013. She says Juvenile Court Judge Sharon Guffee carries some of the blame and should be removed from the bench.

The woman, who Channel 4 identified as Betty, says her son has Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, a hypothesized, but not generally recognized, neurological disorder that some researchers say causes rapid onset obsessive-compulsive disorder and behavioral problems. After a fight with his brother in May 2013, he was put in juvenile detention.

Betty told WSMV that he was put in solitary confinement for five weeks and that in December 2013, he was molested by a guard. During a hearing, Betty says, Guffee implied her son was lying about the molestation.

After he was released, Betty says her son's behavior got worse, culminating in him stealing his mother's car and leading police on a chase, which the teenager says was prompted by a fear of returning to the detention center.

The family is suing Williamson County, asking for the county to pay for the teen's treatment, to remove Guffee and to ban solitary confinement for juveniles.

"I am sure you can understand that we cannot comment on pending litigation, but the County is vigorously defending this case and will continue to do so. The well-being and safety of the children in our care is our highest priority," juvenile court director Zannie Martin told WSMV.

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