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Former Youth Worker Sued Over Allegedly Asking Teen For Sex

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Both the Shuman Juvenile Detention facility and a former youth care employee have been sued by the family of a teenage girl who says the worker asked her for sex.

38-year-old Derrick Dawkins was charged last fall with making a sexual advance to a then-16-year-old girl who was a resident at the facility in August.

According to the criminal complaint in that case, the girl worried that Dawkins would "snitch" on her for having lip gloss, which was considered contraband.

Dawkins said he had to speak with her and returned with a note which read: "I like your young chocolate ---. If I give you my info would you (expletive) with me. No disrespect."

"The fact that this young man who is an adult and clearly knew better made sexual advances to a juvenile obviously says that there's some issues going on at Shuman Center that need to be addressed," said attorney Todd Hollis who represents the plaintiff.

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When the incident was first reported, Shuman issued a statement saying the case was reported to staff the day after it happened and the information was promptly turned over the county police.

But the lawsuit claims intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision and vicarious liability, claiming the actions of Dawkins are the responsibility of Shuman.

"You never place a child who is already under your authority in the position of having to decide how is the best way to address an adult who is making sexual advances towards them," said Hollis. "Because what they say may make their already rough situation worse, and I think that's absolutely heinous."

Dawkins was suspended without pay when charged, and is no longer employed by the county. A spokesman for Allegheny County, which operates the Shuman Center, said the county does not comment on pending litigation.

Meantime Dawkins faces trial next month on charges including endangering the welfare of children and official oppression.

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