Help Marshall Recover from a Coma After Abuse by Florida and Washington State Child Services
In March 2024, my 14-year-old son Marshall was kidnapped and trafficked across the country.
After he was rescued, he was moved between multiple residential facilities by the Florida
Department of Children and Families, Lutheran Services and the Children’s Network.
In those facilities, Marshall lived in constant fear. Unqualified staff allowed and encouraged
violence among the young residents. Staff members used bigger, older kids to create a gang like culture of terror. Marshall was repeatedly beaten, hazed, isolated, and psychologically abused.
Desperate to escape with his life, he was forced to “Baker Act” himself -- overdose and self-harm up to seven times — so he’d be taken to a hospital where he could be around normal adults and escape the emanant danger he faced in these facilities with no real adult protection, and let them know he was in danger. This led to a coma. Marshall was intubated and placed on a
ventilator at Golisano Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida. He nearly died.
Marshall is now finally back home with me, his father. He’s recovering, but he has a long way to
go. Marshall has been left with liver, stomach, gastrointestinal, and vision problems; HPPD
(Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder); and neurological issues.
I had to take leave of my job to care for him and fight the system that failed him.
We’ve always lived with integrity. And now, we need your help to cover:
legal expenses to hold these facilities accountable;
medical and therapy costs, virtual schooling, travel for appointments;
and basic living expenses while we work to keep Marshall safe and help him heal.
These facilities must be held accountable. They allowed this to happen. On purpose. Willfully.
Your support will help Marshall recover and help us protect other children who are still trapped
in these same facilities.
Thank you for standing with us. — Jason, Marshall’s Father
REFERENCE CASE NUMBERS
CAPE CORAL POLICE CASE NUMBER
26-006-079
ORLANDO COURT CASE NUMBERS
48-2025-CJ-002357
48-2025-CJ-002162
Organizer
