Las Vegas, Nevada – A therapist at Spring Mountain Youth Camp in Mount Charleston is seeking justice in civil court after being viciously attacked by a teenage offender under her care. The victim, who had dedicated herself to helping troubled youth, was left to die in a ravine by 15-year-old Tavari Pearson during an outdoor counseling session.
The incident, which occurred two years ago, has sparked a legal battle as the victim’s lawyer argues that the county shares responsibility for the gruesome attack. Pearson, who was already in trouble with the law at the time, faces charges of attempted murder and sexual assault. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, recently filed a lawsuit in Clark County District Court holding the county accountable for failing to protect her from the violent offender.
According to the lawsuit, Pearson’s therapist was unaware of his troubled history, which included a previous incident of sexual assault. The therapist, employed by Community Counseling Center under contract with Clark County, had been seeing Pearson for several months leading up to the attack. Despite the camp’s policies against admitting high-risk offenders, Pearson was allowed to remain at the facility, where he launched the brutal assault that left the therapist with severe injuries.
The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the county, citing security and training failures that exposed the victim to unnecessary risk. It claims that the camp lacked adequate precautions, such as body alarms and surveillance cameras, to ensure the safety of staff members. The victim, who is now unable to continue counseling, is seeking compensation for the harm caused by the county’s alleged oversight.
As the legal proceedings unfold, questions are raised about the criminal justice system’s handling of juvenile offenders and the need for stricter safeguards against violent behavior. The victim’s attorney emphasizes the importance of holding accountable those responsible for placing individuals in dangerous situations, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations like troubled youth.
Pearson’s criminal trial is scheduled for June, while the victim continues to grapple with the aftermath of the harrowing attack. The county, facing allegations of negligence in the lawsuit, has declined to comment on the pending litigation. Despite the challenges ahead, the victim remains determined to seek justice and hold accountable those who failed to protect her from harm.