A former Youth Development Center employee emphatically rejected claims that he aided others in the abuse of a teenage boy decades ago. Accused of helping to beat and rape a resident in the 1990s, he took the stand on Thursday to defend himself and declare that the allegations are false.
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‘It’s not true’: Ex-YDC testifies in own defense in abuse trial
Photo by Unionleader
Key Takeaways:
- The defendant, James Woodlock, is a former YDC staffer.
- He is accused of assisting others in beating and raping a teenage boy in the 1990s.
- Woodlock took the stand in his own defense, insisting he did not commit the alleged acts.
- The case centers on serious allegations of both physical and sexual abuse.
- The story originally appeared on unionleader on September 25, 2025.
Background of the Case
The trial focuses on events alleged to have occurred in the 1990s at a Youth Development Center (YDC). During this period, a teenage boy was reportedly the victim of severe physical and sexual abuse. According to the charges, multiple YDC staff members participated in beating and raping the boy.
Allegations of Abuse
Prosecutors claim that James Woodlock, a YDC staffer at the time, played a key role in aiding his colleagues. This allegedly included helping to restrain the victim and enable further abuse. While there have been multiple allegations, Woodlock’s name stands out because of his longstanding a
