Facility profile Michigan
Lakeside Academy
Lakeside Academy was a program in Kalamazoo, Michigan, operated by Sequel TSI. It operated from 1907 to 2020.
About Lakeside Academy
A news report says it closed.source Lakeside for Children entered an agreement with Sequel Youth and Family Services in July 2007 and the facility was renamed Lakeside Academy; Michigan ended its contracts on June 18, 2020 after the death of Cornelius Frederick, and the academy closed.source
Announced closing (2020-06-20) per news report: WKZO, "Gov. Whitmer issues statement on Lakeside Academy death | WKZO | Everything Kalamazoo | 590 AM · 106.9 FM", 2020-06-20.source
Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo was founded in 1907 and was run by Sequel Youth and Family Services from 2007; Michigan ended its contracts and moved to revoke its licence in June 2020 after the April 2020 restraint death of Cornelius Frederick, and it closed in 2020.source
Timeline
From the records: who ran it and the deals that moved it, its names, and the deaths, incidents, inspection findings, lawsuits and news stories on file. Point at an event, or tap "More about this", for the details.
1907
Opened in Kalamazoo, Michigan
2007
Sequel Youth and Family Services began running it
It ran the program until 2020.
2009
Sequel TSI: Acquired Three Springs, Inc. (TSI) of Huntsville, Alabama
Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Lakeside Academy at the time.
Sequel TSI: Acquired Three Springs, Inc. (TSI) of Huntsville, Alabama December 30, 2009
Sequel announced its acquisition of the privately held Three Springs, Inc. The announcement said the combined companies would operate 22 programs across the country. The Three Springs programs later carried the Sequel TSI name.
2017
Sequel TSI: Sold a majority stake to Altamont Capital Partners
Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Lakeside Academy at the time.
Sequel TSI: Sold a majority stake to Altamont Capital Partners September 1, 2017
Altamont Capital Partners announced a majority equity investment in Sequel through a holding company, SYFS Parent; terms were not disclosed. At the time Sequel ran 44 programs in 19 states, and APM Reports counted 35 residential treatment centers in 16 states. CEO John Stupak stayed on and co-founder Jay Ripley remained board chairman. Altamont's portfolio page lists the investment as active and says SYFS Parent later acquired Rebecca & Aaron Schools (2017) and Pine Cone Therapies (2020).
2020
Sequel TSI: Michigan cut ties with Sequel and suspended Lakeside Academy's license
Sequel TSI: Michigan cut ties with Sequel and suspended Lakeside Academy's license June 2020
After the death of Cornelius Fredrick, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to stop working with Sequel. The state ended its contracts with Lakeside Academy, suspended the facility's license, and moved all 125 youth there to other placements.
Cornelius Frederick, 16, died here
Restraint
Cornelius Frederick, 16, died here May 1, 2020
Death
In May 2020 a 16-year-old was killed at Lakeside Academy, a Sequel program in Michigan, following an 11-minute restraint for throwing a sandwich.
Death May 2020
Provo Canyon School Closure
2 articles in HuffPost Canada and The Imprint, 2020 to 2021.
Provo Canyon School Closure November 22, 2020
The article reports allegations of physical restraint, solitary confinement, and sexual misconduct at several U.S. troubled‑teen boarding schools that housed Canadian teenagers. Survivors describe harsh punishments, forced medication, and isolation, and the facilities have faced legal and regulatory scrutiny.
Michigan ending ties with company after teen’s restraint, death
Covered by 3 outlets: WLNS 6 News, CBS News and Michigan Public.
Michigan ending ties with company after teen’s restraint, death May 17, 2020
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to terminate contracts with Sequel Youth and Family Services following the death of 16-year-old Cornelius Frederick at Lakeside Academy.
Closed
2021
Goshay v. Lakeside for Children et al 1:2021cv00848 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan | Justia
Goshay v. Lakeside for Children et al 1:2021cv00848 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan | Justia
A civil rights lawsuit was filed in federal court against Lakeside Academy and various corporate entities and staff members associated with Sequel Youth Services following an incident resulting in the death of a youth resident. The docket reflects initial administrative filings, summons issuance, waivers of service, acknowledgments of service, and attorney appearances.
Outcome: The parties filed a stipulation of dismissal, and the court granted it, dismissing all claims with prejudice and without costs on February 16, 2022.
- Court
- US District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- Case number
- 1:2021cv00848
- Status
- Dismissed
Tenia Goshay, Personal Representative of the Estate of Cornelius Frederick v. Lakeside for Children d/b/a Lakeside Academy, et al.
Tenia Goshay, Personal Representative of the Estate of Cornelius Frederick v. Lakeside for Children d/b/a Lakeside Academy, et al.
Tenia Goshay, as personal representative of the estate of Cornelius Frederick, sued Lakeside Academy, several Sequel Youth and Family Services companies and ten staff members in federal court in Michigan on September 30, 2021.
Outcome: Settled Dec 2021; terms confidential.
- Court
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Southern Division
- Case number
- 1:21-cv-00848-RJJ-RSK
- Status
- Settled
Sequel TSI: Fredrick family's second wrongful death suit settled over Lakeside Academy
Sequel TSI: Fredrick family's second wrongful death suit settled over Lakeside Academy December 29, 2021
The family of Cornelius Fredrick settled a second wrongful death lawsuit with Lakeside Academy, approved by a Kalamazoo County Circuit judge on December 29, 2021. The terms were filed under seal.
Deaths on record
Lawsuits
-
Goshay v. Lakeside for Children et al 1:2021cv00848 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan | Justia
Outcome: The parties filed a stipulation of dismissal, and the court granted it, dismissing all claims with prejudice and without costs on February 16, 2022.
A civil rights lawsuit was filed in federal court against Lakeside Academy and various corporate entities and staff members associated with Sequel Youth Services following an incident resulting in the death of a youth resident. The docket reflects initial administrative filings, summons issuance, waivers of service, acknowledgments of service, and attorney appearances. The presiding judge denied a motion for alternate service as to one of the individual defendants.
-
Tenia Goshay, Personal Representative of the Estate of Cornelius Frederick v. Lakeside for Children d/b/a Lakeside Academy, et al.
Outcome: Settled Dec 2021; terms confidential.
Tenia Goshay, as personal representative of the estate of Cornelius Frederick, sued Lakeside Academy, several Sequel Youth and Family Services companies and ten staff members in federal court in Michigan on September 30, 2021. The complaint alleges that on April 29, 2020, staff at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo restrained the 16-year-old state ward on the floor for throwing a sandwich and suffocated him while he said he could not breathe, then gave no aid, and that he died at Bronson Methodist Hospital on May 1, 2020. It alleges he had been restrained many times before, that Sequel was warned by Oregon Senator Sara Gelser about its restraint practices, and that the state had cited the facility for restraint and staffing violations since 2016. It states the state revoked Lakeside Academy's license after his death. The document shows only the filing of the complaint.
Incidents on record
-
May 2020 Death
In May 2020 a 16-year-old was killed at Lakeside Academy, a Sequel program in Michigan, following an 11-minute restraint for throwing a sandwich.source
News coverage
-
same company responsible for the death of a client
Two former staff members at Lakeside Academy were sentenced to 18 months of probation for involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks, who died after a 12‑minute restraint. The Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by restraint asphyxia. The case highlights concerns about safety practices at the private youth facility.
-
Former Lakeside Academy workers sentenced to probation for teen's restraint death
Two former staff members at Lakeside Academy were sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks. The teen died after a 12‑minute restraint following an incident in the cafeteria. The case highlights concerns about restraint practices and oversight at the facility.
-
Warning signs missed before teen's fatal restraint
The article reports that a teen named Cornelius Frederick died after being restrained in a facility. The report indicates that warning signs were missed and that the restraint may have contributed to the fatal outcome. The case highlights concerns about safety protocols in residential treatment settings.
-
MDHHS speaks on changes following Lakeside Academy death
The Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services announced policy changes after the death of a teenager at Lakeside Academy. The changes aim to improve oversight and safety protocols for residential treatment facilities. The article reports on the state's response and planned reforms.
-
Lakeside Staffers Plead No Contest to Charges from Cornelius Fredericks’ Death
Cornelius Fredericks, a 16‑year‑old foster youth, died after being restrained by staff at Lakeside Academy in Michigan. Two former staff members pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter, while a nurse was charged with child abuse for failing to provide care. The case highlights concerns about safety practices in for‑profit group care facilities.
-
Former workers enter plea in Lakeside Academy teen's death
Two former staff members at Lakeside Academy pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks, who died after a prolonged restraint by the staff. The plea follows a criminal investigation that found the restraint violated ordinary care and resulted in the teen’s death. The case is scheduled for sentencing in December.
-
I-TEAM: Closer look at recent facility closures in Florida following St. Johns Youth Academy’s sudden shutdown
The Department of Juvenile Justice shut down St. Johns Youth Academy after a staff member was attacked, reports of staff sexual involvement with residents, and a riot. The closure transferred the resident teen boys to other state facilities and ended the contract with Sequel TSI. Similar closures have occurred at other Sequel‑operated facilities in recent years.
-
fake shell of a company that John Ripley (Founder) used to buy out Sequel
Sequel Youth & Family Services, a former chain of residential treatment centers, has closed or sold most of its facilities following repeated allegations of staff misconduct, sexual misconduct, and safety violations. The company’s operations were scrutinized after a 2020 incident in which a 16‑year‑old boy died after being restrained by staff. In response, Sequel has transferred many centers to new ownership under Vivant Behavioral Healthcare and other entities while settling lawsuits with affected families.
-
Family Reaches Settlement in Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Michigan Youth Facility
The family of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Frederick reached a settlement with Lakeside Academy after his death in 2020. The death was ruled a homicide following staff smothering, and the settlement was approved by a judge in December 2022. The case has prompted broader scrutiny of residential treatment facilities in Michigan.
-
Family of Boy Who Died After Restraint at Center Settle Suit
The family of a 16-year-old boy who died of cardiac arrest following a physical restraint at a Michigan youth facility has settled a wrongful death lawsuit. The facility subsequently lost its operating license and state contracts following the incident, which was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner's office.
-
Another Sequel-run Facility Closes Amid Abuse Claims
A New Mexico residential facility operated by Sequel Youth & Family Services is scheduled to close after state investigators documented physical abuse, inadequate care, and peer violence among children. The closure follows a settlement with the state and follows similar shutdowns of other Sequel-run programs where staff misconduct and neglect were reported.
-
Sequel to close New Mexico youth facility amid more abuse allegations | APM Reports
Sequel Youth & Family Services agreed to close Bernalillo Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a state investigation documented physical abuse, excessive restraints, and inadequate supervision of autistic residents. The closure follows multiple prior investigations and the shutdown of several other Sequel facilities nationwide.
21 more articles
-
Federal Watchdogs Find Abuse at For-Profit Youth Residential Programs in 18 States
A report by the National Disability Rights Network documents widespread civil rights violations, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and inappropriate use of psychotropic medication across for-profit youth residential programs in 18 states. The findings highlight systemic issues driven by profit-seeking models, prompting calls for increased federal oversight and accountability.
-
Behavioral Health Contractor Sequel Absorbs Two Blows
Sequel Youth & Family Services announced the closure of its Torii Behavioral Health facility in Columbus, Ohio, after state warnings regarding staff violence, improper restraints, and other safety concerns. Separately, a civil lawsuit alleges that eight staff members at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan restrained a 16‑year‑old survivor, leading to his death by lack of oxygen.
-
Michigan to ban restraints in youth facilities after Cornelius Frederick's death
A 16‑year‑old foster child, Cornelius Frederick, died after being restrained for more than ten minutes by staff at Lakeside Academy, a residential treatment center in Kalamazoo. The incident prompted Michigan officials to propose new regulations banning restraints in group homes and to increase oversight of facilities operated by Sequel Youth and Family Services. Several former staff members have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse.
-
After years of abuse allegations, Iowa youth home to close
Sequel Youth & Family Services announced the voluntary closure of Clarinda Academy in Iowa following multiple investigations by state agencies and watchdogs. The facility faced documentation falsification, physical restraints, unsanitary conditions, and allegations of staff misconduct, including sexual abuse and physical assault.
-
Normative Services Academy Announces Facility Closure in Sheridan
Normative Services Academy, Inc. announced plans to close its residential facility in Sheridan, Wyoming, following an evaluation of program viability. The closure comes amid broader scrutiny of its parent company, Sequel Youth Services, and decisions by state agencies to remove youths from out-of-state facilities following a death by suicide at another company location.
-
Judge rules Sequel Youth executives do not have to testify in teen death civil lawsuit
A civil lawsuit filed by the estate of Cornelius Fredericks alleges negligence by Lakeside Academy and its parent company Sequel Youth Family Services in connection with the teen's death. A Michigan judge denied a motion to compel deposition testimony from senior Sequel executives and limited certain discovery requests.
-
California hands Sequel a major setback
The California Department of Social Services announced it will cease sending children to Sequel Youth & Family Services facilities, and Ohio revoked Sequel's license for its Columbus residential center. The actions follow documented incidents of physical restraint, sexual misconduct, unsanitary conditions, and the death of a 16‑year‑old survivor while in Sequel care.
-
Allegations of Abuse at U.S. Troubled‑Teen Boarding Schools Involving Canadian Teens
The article reports allegations of physical restraint, solitary confinement, and sexual misconduct at several U.S. troubled‑teen boarding schools that housed Canadian teenagers. Survivors describe harsh punishments, forced medication, and isolation, and the facilities have faced legal and regulatory scrutiny. The piece highlights gaps in oversight and the impact on the survivors’ mental health.
-
"It's still not right." An investigation into Lakeside Academy.
An investigative report details systemic failures at Lakeside Academy, a residential facility for troubled teens, including repeated use of physical restraints, inadequate oversight, and the death of a resident. The investigation highlights the state's failure to prevent harm and the subsequent closure of the facility. Survivors and former staff describe ongoing concerns about the safety and well‑being of youth placed in such settings.
-
Starr Commonwealth cuts ties with contractor, ends residential programs
Starr Commonwealth announced the termination of its residential programs and its partnership with Sequel Youth and Family Services following state directives and investigations into safety violations and improper restraints. The decision impacts 135 students and 270 employees, prompting the facility to transition youth to alternative care settings and evaluate future uses for the campus.
-
Cornelius Frederick death: Attorney releases video showing 16-year-old being restrained and given chest compressions later
In April 2020, 16-year‑old Cornelius Frederick was restrained by staff at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and later received chest compressions while unresponsive. He suffered cardiac arrest and died two days later; three staff members have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse.
-
Video Footage Released in 16-Year-Old's Death at Michigan Youth Facility
Attorneys for the family of 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks released video footage documenting his May 2020 death following an unsafe physical restraint by staff at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo. The Kalamazoo County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, resulting in criminal charges against three staff members and prompting calls from legal representation for additional prosecutions. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services subsequently revoked the facility's license and relocated the remaining residents.
-
Attorney releases video showing incident preceding Lakeside Academy teen's death
A video released by the Kalamazoo County prosecutor shows staff restraining 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks for over ten minutes, after which he was left unattended before medical care was provided. The restraint led to his death by restraint asphyxia, and the incident has resulted in criminal charges against several staff members and a wrongful‑death lawsuit filed by his family.
-
Starr Commonwealth severs Sequel ties
In May 2020, a 16-year-old was restrained by staff from Sequel Youth and Family Services at Lakeside Academy and died two days later, with the death ruled a homicide. Following the incident, Starr Commonwealth terminated its contract with Sequel, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services revoked Sequel's state license.
-
Lawsuit and Investigation Detail History of Abuse and Death at Lakeside Academy
Following the death of 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks at Lakeside Academy in Michigan after staff used a prolonged physical restraint, a lawsuit was filed detailing a pattern of negligence, improper restraint usage, and safety violations at the facility. The operator, Sequel Youth and Family Services, faced increased scrutiny regarding systemic abuse, lack of oversight, and safety incidents across multiple residential facilities nationwide.
-
Three Staff Members Charged Following Death of Resident at Michigan Youth Facility
Three staff members at Lakeside Academy in Michigan were charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse following the death of a 16-year-old resident who died from restraint asphyxia. State investigations found that staffers used disproportionate physical restraint after the teen threw a sandwich in the cafeteria, and delayed seeking medical attention.
-
Death of 16-Year-Old at Lakeside Academy Leads to Legal Action
A 16‑year‑old resident of Lakeside Academy died from restraint asphyxia after staff applied physical restraint for an extended period. The incident prompted charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse against staff members and a lawsuit by the family seeking damages. The facility has since lost its license and staff have been terminated.
-
Three Charged in Death of Michigan Teenager Restrained at Youth Academy
A 16-year‑old resident of Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan, died after staff restrained him, resulting in death by restraint asphyxia. Three staff members have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse, and the facility faces licensing revocation and civil litigation.
-
Gov. Whitmer issues statement on Lakeside Academy death | WKZO | Everything Kalamazoo | 590 AM · 106.9 FM
A 16‑year‑old youth died after being restrained at Lakeside Academy, a residential treatment facility in Kalamazoo. Governor Whitmer announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services would suspend the facility’s license and remove staffing services from Sequel Youth and Family Services. The state plans to permanently close the facility following the death.
-
Michigan ending ties with company after teen’s restraint, death
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to terminate contracts with Sequel Youth and Family Services following the death of 16-year-old Cornelius Frederick at Lakeside Academy. Frederick experienced cardiac arrest after being restrained by staff following an incident where he threw a sandwich. State regulators suspended the facility's license and cited multiple violations related to resident restraint and discipline policies.
-
Michigan State Agency Cuts Ties with Youth Facility Following Fatal Restraint Incident
A 16‑year‑old youth died after being restrained at Lakeside Academy, a state‑licensed facility in Kalamazoo. Three former staff members were charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse, and the state terminated the facility’s license and contract. A lawsuit has been filed against the academy and its staffing partner.
3 articles about celebrities and viral stories
-
Paris Hilton testifies about alleged abuse in Utah care facility at Capitol Hill press conference
Paris Hilton testified before Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill about alleged physical restraint, seclusion, and other abusive practices she experienced at Utah congregate care facilities as a teenager. The testimony was used to introduce the Accountability for Congregate Care Act of 2021, which would establish federal oversight and a bill of rights for youths in such programs.
-
Paris Hilton advocates for federal protections for youth in congregate care facilities
Paris Hilton testified that she experienced physical and psychological abuse, including forced medication and solitary confinement, while placed in several youth behavior‑modification facilities, notably Provo Canyon School in Utah. She is advocating for federal legislation to establish a youth‑rights bill and increased oversight of congregate care programs.
-
Opinion: America’s ‘troubled teen industry’ needs reform so kids can avoid the abuse I endured
Entrepreneur and media personality Paris Hilton details experiences of physical and psychological abuse across four congregate-care facilities during her adolescence. The article advocates for federal legislation, increased oversight, and a basic bill of rights for youth placed in residential facilities to prevent institutional mistreatment and systemic negligence.
Videos
Staff
Notable staff
-
Jared Nabors
(2013-2019) Academic Supervisor (2019-2021)
Elsewhere in the industry
- Lava Heights Academy (2013-2019) Academic Supervisor (2019-2021)
- Vivant Behavioral Healthcare Program Director
- Embark Behavioral Health Academic Coordinator . Soulegria Program Director (2021-2023)
Connections on the network map
The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.
Documents
-
Goshay V Lakeside -
Lakeside Settlement Legal filing -
Sequel Youth And Family Services - Adopts Ukeru Restraint-Free Program, March 6, 2019 (Wayback Capture 2020-08-08) Newsletter or press releaseWebsite capture -
Sequel Youth And Family Services - Lakeside Academy Page (Wayback Capture 2019-08-25) Website capture -
Sequel Website Lakeside Academy 2013 Website capture -
Michael Gerry Sequel Linkedin Staff profile or résumé -
Sequel David Wells Linkedin Staff profile or résumé
Research that mentions this program
From the Unsilenced archive
14 documents about Lakeside Academy that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their whole folder: Lakeside Academy.
- Additional Links for Lakeside Academy.xlsx
- ci390201235-lakeside-3921-oakland-drive.pdf
- Goshay v. Lakeside for Children et al Complaint.pdf
- Goshay v. Lakeside for Children et al Ex Parte Emergency Motion.pdf
- Goshay V. Lakeside for Children et. al. Case Brief.docx
- Lakeside Academy1.pdf
- Lakeside Academy2.pdf
- License details, MN DHS Licensing Info Lookup (1).pdf
- License details, MN DHS Licensing Info Lookup (2).pdf
- License details, MN DHS Licensing Info Lookup.pdf
- LLO_408325 _ 1078609.pdf
- LLO_446541 _ 1078609.pdf
- LLO_460240 _ 1078609.pdf
- ShutDownSequelProgressReport_UpdatedApril2021.pdf
From SCIAD NET
1 document about Lakeside Academy that Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. SCIAD NET keeps it on Google Drive, where it opens.
We have questions about Lakeside Academy
If you were there, worked there or sent your child there, you can help fill in what our records are missing. Each question takes a moment; skip anything you do not know.
Materials and links
External links
Government records
- DHS Report on Lakeside Academy (2019-11-12)
- Department of Health and Human Services Special Report for Lakeside Academy (2020-06-17)
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (2018-11-13)
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (2020-01-07)
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (2017-11-17)
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (2019-08-20)
- excerpt 42020 runaway Kalamazoo public safety_Redacted (2020-07-01)
From SCIAD NET.
Survivor posts and discussion
- witness to lakeside academy death
- Lakeside Academy students tell police about restraint that killed 16-year-old
Reference and research
- Investigative Report On Student Death at Lakeside Academy | PDF | Emergency | Consent
- Lakeside Academy - Kansas
- 791. Lakeside Academy
- Stateside: Detroit auto show postponed; teachers back in classrooms; Lakeside Academy investigation
3 of these from SCIAD NET.
Archived pages
- documented at least seven violations, including concerns with "types of physical intervention possibly being utilized."
- seven reports of child abuse or neglect, 16 assaults and 15 calls regarding criminal sexual conduct
- died after he was restrained by multiple staff members for 10 minutes
- We’ve heard in at least eight different states, a history of physical abuse, sexual abuse, abuse of restraints. Sequel is going into states, buying facilities and running programs that are supposed to be treatment facilities to help young people. But rather than actually helping young people get ove
- remove foster children from out-of-state facilities
- Montana
- contracts worth more than $68 million from Alabama’s DHR
- alleged staff maltreatment, improper/frequent restraints, inappropriate language, bullying and provoking residents
- backing from Altamont Capital
- Ohio
- 72 calls for service over a six month period, including calls for runaways and assaults
- alleged a staff member had punched him in the ribs
- a staff member “choked, pushed and punched” a female resident