Lawsuit: NYC Teen Alleges 30 Sexual Assaults by Female Counselor at Juvenile Facility

A 21-year-old man has filed a lawsuit against Maya Hayes, a former counselor at the Brookwood Youth Facility, alleging he was raped more than 30 times during his stay there as a 17-year-old. The lawsuit claims that Hayes, known by the nickname 'Big Foot,' exploited her position of authority as an associate psychologist to manipulate the victim into believing the abuse was part of legitimate therapy. It is alleged that the abuse began just three months after his arrival and continued for several months, with staff members at the facility reportedly aware of the situation and making inappropriate comments. The victim also claims Hayes convinced his parents to send her money for his needs under false pretenses. New York State Police arrested Hayes in April on 65 counts of third-degree criminal sexual acts and rape; she has pleaded not guilty and is currently out on bail. The victim is seeking unspecified damages from Hayes and other Brookwood staff for failing to prevent the abuse.