Copper Lake youth corrections officer accused of injuring 17-year-old girl

A corrections officer at the troubled Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools, the state’s youth prisons, is facing felony charges after a 17-year-old girl accused him of abusing her at the facility.

Evan White, 44, made an initial appearance July 2 in Lincoln County Circuit Court, where he faces charges of physical abuse of a child and substantial battery. The charges stem from an investigation that began April 15. The alleged victim in the case was taken from the facility for medical treatment, court documents state.

White is accused of throwing the girl against the wall in an altercation that involved the Rapid Response Team, of which White is a member. Police say the girl was coming inside from recreational time and refused to return to her room, then grabbed a rock to try to break a window. When White tried to take her back to her room, the girl allegedly spit in White’s face before he placed her in a bear hug and slammed her into the wall.

The girl hit her head on the cell wall, according to the complaint.

White was released on a $1,000 signature bond and is not in custody. Future court dates have not been scheduled.