Former Illinois Youth Center Employee Charged With Sexual Misconduct in St. Charles

Bryana E. Phelan, a former juvenile justice specialist at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Phoenix Emerging Adult Career and Education Center in St. Charles, has been charged with 15 counts of official misconduct related to having a sexual relationship with a male youth inmate over the age of 17. The alleged misconduct occurred between November 11 and 15, 2024, and included multiple phone calls of a sexual nature, driving the inmate around in a facility vehicle for personal reasons, and encouraging the inmate to masturbate in her presence. Department policies strictly forbid employees from socializing with or engaging in sexual relations with in-custody youth. Phelan was formally charged on August 25, 2025, and is scheduled to appear in court on September 18. Authorities emphasize that these charges are allegations and that Phelan is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case highlights concerns about staff misconduct at youth detention facilities housing young adults ages 17 to 20.