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Boys to stay in separate jails

Suspects in YDDC reported rape to leave center

By Susie Gran
Originally published 08:54 a.m., October 3, 2006
Updated 10:48 a.m., October 3, 2006

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Three boys accused of raping their new roommate for his "initiation" at the Youth Diagnostic and Development Center will be housed in separate jails, a Children's Court judge said today.

Where they will go remains up in the air.

Judge Monica Zamora wants Children, Youth and Families Department officials to report to her Friday with details on placement options.

The boys are being held at the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center until CYFD and the judge decide where to move them.

One of the boys wants to go back to YDDC, his attorney said. The judge responded, "I'm not comfortable with that."

CYFC officials offered the YDDC, the Santa Fe County Juvenile Detention Center and the J.Paul Taylor Youth Center in Las Cruces as options. Zamora said she wants to make sure there are services the boys need because she doesn't want them just sitting in jail. Gang intervention and anger management are available at YDDC.

The accused, Adam Landon, 14, Darnyle Pioche, 15, and Augustine Chavez, 14, face possible adult penalties for felony charges including kidnapping and criminal sexual penetration.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office expects to take the case to a grand jury next week.

Meanwhile, the victim remains in protective custody at YDDC until he is moved to the Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center in Albuquerque.

Sequoyah houses juvenile offenders with the most serious mental-health problems who need intensive treatment and supervision.

"I wanted to get him out," his mother sobbed after her shackled son was escorted away Monday. "I really thought they'd let him out."

Children's Court Judge Marie Baca sent the boy back to YDDC and ordered center officials to carry out her earlier request that he be placed at Sequoyah.

The boy told Baca he originally wanted to go to YDDC because "I thought I was going to get away with stuff."

That's why he opposed being placed on probation again, his mother said.

"I did go into YDDC blind-sided," he told Baca. He did not mention the reported rape.

The judge responded that he'll work harder at Sequoyah and "have to get down and honest with your therapist."

"I want only the best for you," she added.

Baca was out of town when the boy reported on Sept. 24 that he was raped on Sept. 21, his first day at YDDC.

"I'm very sorry for what I hear," she said.

Baca said she had previously requested the boy be housed at Sequoyah, not at YDDC. Her wishes were in writing on the plea agreement and judgment, she said.

A YDDC psychologist told the judge he agreed Sequoyah was the proper placement. "We are totally in agreement with your recommendation," said John Rinaldi, who works at the center.

"A couple of beds are available right now," he said.

Rinaldi said YDDC was working toward the Sequoyah placement, but did not have a timeline.

"I'm concerned he gets the treatment he needs for his newest issue," the mother told the judge.

Baca assured the mother her concerns aren't being ignored.

"I think you've got some people's attention."

Baca described the boy's mental-health history as "complicated" with behavior and anger issues. His mother said he has been in and out of treatment programs for several years.

Her son is serving a one-year commitment for violating probation for a residential burglary, she said.