How the Head of an Embattled Tennessee Youth Detention Center Held on to Power for Decades

How the Head of an Embattled Tennessee Youth Detention Center Held on to Power for Decades

Richard L. Bean remained in his perch as the superintendent of the juvenile detention center that bears his name despite scandals, investigations and the use of seclusion to punish children.

85-Year-Old Superintendent Of Abusive East Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center To Finally Retire Amid Firing Of Whistleblowers

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How the head of an embattled Tennessee youth detention center held on to power for decades

This article was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with WPLN/Nashville Public Radio, a 2023-2024 LRN partner. Sign up for Dispatches to get our stories in your inbox every week. For half a century, through scandals, investigations, failed state inspections and even the illegal use of seclusion to punish children, Richard L. Bean remained in his perch of power as the superintendent of the juvenile detention center t…