In the serene confines of Moose Lake Correctional Facility, nestled deep in Minnesota’s verdant woods, Nicholas Sterry whiled away his time. He worked in the kitchen, ticking off the days until his release, when one day, a monolith of manipulation and sexual abuse engulfed him, orchestrated by Corrections Officer Ashley Youngberg.

Youngberg, a figure notorious among inmates, wielded her authority callously, while being safely hidden behind the bureaucratic shield of her badge.

What began as subtle intimidation swiftly morphed into something far more sinister. Sterry, found himself defenseless against her lewd advances, trapped in a cycle of fear and coercion.

Days turned to torment, as the kitchen became a stage for Youngberg’s abuses. Whispers wondered through the corridors, leaving Sterry in perpetual dread amid the gossip.

The breaking point arrived one icy night in Moose Lake, when Youngberg’s misconduct became criminal. Sterry, isolated and vulnerable, became the subject of Youngberg’s gratification for sexual power.

Following that harrowing night, Sterry summoned the courage to seek justice. With fellow inmates and advocates from the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault by his side, he navigated a complex legal maze, confronting the Minnesota State Tort Claims Act—the shield employed by the Department of Corrections to evade accountability.

Ultimately, the courts affirmed Sterry’s right to pursue justice against the Department of Corrections. The ruling echoed with moral clarity.

As Moose Lake Correctional Facility returned to its routines, Sterry’s tale of resilience resonated with those who challenge authority, shining a light in the darkest corners.

*The decision by Ramsey County District Court (File No. 62-CV-21-1313) underscored the significance of Sterry’s allegations. The court’s acknowledgment that Youngberg’s actions fell within the scope of her employment marked a pivotal moment, paving the way for further legal proceedings.

Ramsey County District CourtFile No. 62-CV-21-1313