Litigation and Controversy
West Ridge has been the subject of several lawsuits. On May 15, 2008, Tyler Elsey, a former student, filed a lawsuit against the school in Utah District court alleging negligence and sexual abuse. As of June 2009, the case was inactive (the status in the Utah court system is given as "notice of removal").
On April 9, 2010 a lawsuit was filed against West Ridge Academy, its board of directors, and several employees alleging medical malpractice, lack of informed consent, negligence, negligent placement, breach of fiduciary duty, outrageous conduct inflicting emotional distress, fraud, negligent hiring/retention, and breach of warranty. That case is still ongoing.
On January 2, 2009, Eric Norwood, a past student of the academy, published an article alleging abuses and controversial practices at the ranch. On January 9, 2009, Salt Lake City radio station KRCL invited Buttars, current West Ridge staff, and Eric Norwood to the talk show RadioActive! to discuss the article, but Buttars and West Ridge staff declined the invitation. On October 21, 2010 Norwood sued West Ridge Academy in California District court, alleging negligence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. That case is still ongoing.
The Academy professes to be nondenominational and open to all regardless of religious affiliation. However, former students and staff at the academy say that there is a connection with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the LDS Church). The Presiding Bishop of the LDS Church, H. David Burton, said that the LDS Church "has been and continues to be a long-time supporter" of West Ridge Academy.
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