Mesabi Academy closes, investigations into alleged maltreatment continue
A privately-held juvenile correctional facility in northeastern Minnesota officially closes its doors Thursday.
Mesabi Academy transferred the remaining boys from the facility on June 15 but a spokesperson said employees were working on final details before it officially closes.
In May, Mesabi's parent company, KidsPeace, announced it was closing the facility after the state froze placements and several counties removed boys from the Buhl, Minn., facility.
The company said it could no longer provide a level of care after Hennepin and Ramsey counties had their placements moved.
The counties took the action after American Public Media's investigative unit, APM Reports, filed a series of stories about Mesabi's treatment program and how it handled abuse claims.
St. Louis County still is investigating at least a dozen maltreatment claims.
A spokesperson for Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board says her agency will meet with Buhl city officials in July to discuss future options for the building.
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