Teens who spent time at youth prison under investigation for alleged abuse describe it as "Hell on Earth"



Lincoln Hills



MILWAUKEE -- They describe it as Hell on Earth. Two Milwaukee teens are speaking out about their time spent at a facility under investigation for alleged abuse. These teens say they witnessed abuse and experienced it firsthand.

The two teens did time at the Copper Lake School for Girls in Irma. Copper Lake School for Girls/Lincoln Hills School for Boys is currently under state investigation -- something the teens hope makes a difference.

"I wouldn't send my enemy there," said Deangela Flowers.

Deangela Flowers



"It's not a good place for people to be," said Ashley Maclin.

Flowers and Maclin can't seem to forget their time at the facility.

"A lot of people come out way worse than when they went in," said Maclin.

Ashley Maclin



Flowers and Maclin, who are now 19, say they were sent away to the Copper Lake School for Girls in Irma for being repeated runaways. While there, they claim to have witnessed abuse and experienced it themselves.

"Slammed her against the wall, slammed her against the ground," said Maclin.

"I had staff come in my room and strip me and take me to the hole and put me on suicide watch because he wanted to see me nude," said Flowers.

The Lincoln Hills School for Boys/Copper Lake School for Girls facility is currently under investigation by the state for alleged abuse by staffers.

Lincoln Hills School



On Thursday, February 4th the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to find alternative housing for offenders currently held at the facility.

"This is inhumane treatment," said Monique Kelly, community organizer.

Monique Kelly



Kelly has been working with those who say they were traumatized at the facility.

"This is institutionalized abuse," said Kelly.

It is alleged abuse these teens want to see stopped.

"It's not fit as of right now. It wasn't fit when I was there," said Flowers.

"Maybe this will show you can't get away with everything. What's done in the dark is going to come to light," said Maclin.

FOX6 News reached out to the Department of Corrections for this story.. A spokeswoman said they cannot provide any information because all juvenile records are confidential.