Former Counselor Charged with Sexual Assault of Minors at Chicago Hospital

Counselor Charged After Alleged Abuse at Chicago Facility

Former counselor Edmund Rivers, 68, has been charged with five counts of sexual assault in Chicago. Prosecutors allege that he sexually abused boys between the ages of 7 and 14 at Hartgrove Behavioral Health Hospital. The alleged incidents occurred between 1996 and 2004.

Prosecutors said the alleged abuse happened in multiple locations within the hospital. The facility has since moved to a different location on Chicago's West Side. Five individuals came forward after learning of a civil lawsuit filed against Hartgrove Hospital last year.

Details From Civil Litigation

Attorneys representing former patients said Rivers was identified as "Staff Perpetrator 1" in the civil complaint. Lawyers reported that more than a dozen clients in the lawsuit accused Rivers of abuse. One survivor, referred to as John Doe, said he was abused at age 11 during a month-long stay at the hospital.

John Doe reported that the abuse began two days into his stay. He stated that incidents occurred almost every other day. He also alleged that children were forced to participate in acts under the guise of group sessions.

Responses From Legal Representatives

Attorneys said the five survivors who approached prosecutors did so after becoming aware of the civil case. They stated that additional individuals in the civil action reported similar experiences involving Rivers. The attorneys represent dozens of former patients.

In response to the earlier lawsuit, counsel for Hartgrove Hospital denied the allegations. The hospital stated that patient safety was a priority and that it intended to defend the case. The statement followed the filing of the civil complaint.

Court Proceedings and Custody Status

Following his court hearing, a judge ordered Rivers to remain in custody. Prosecutors continue to review information from survivors and witnesses. The criminal case remains active.

The allegations span an eight-year period at the hospital's former West Side location. Authorities have not released further details on additional investigative steps. The civil and criminal cases continue in parallel.