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Boy Scouts Condemn Cover-Ups of Sexual Abuse Within Organization
The Boy Scouts of America has come under fire over the past several years for reports of sexual abuse occurring between younger Scout members and leaders in the organization. In an ongoing civil case in California, the organization attempted to persuade a judge to prevent its internal records from being used as evidence in…
The Senators (Ret.) Firm Announces Record $139,750,000 Settlement in Los Angeles Unified School District Child Sex Abuse Litigation
Attorneys at The Senators (Ret.) Firm LLP confirmed today that they have reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Unified School District to settle the claims of dozens of children who were sexually abused and exploited by former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Mark Berndt for $139,750,000. Berndt is serving a 25-year prison sentence for…
LAUSD’S War on Child Abuse Victims Must End
National Public Radio Los Angeles affiliate KPCC reported this week about a civil trial in 2013 during which Los Angeles Unified School District lawyers defended the District from claims it negligently failed to supervise a teacher who repeatedly had sexual relations with a 14-year old middle school student by arguing the middle-school student “consented.”…
Teacher Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Abuse Charges in Downey
Investigations into the alleged relationship between a 30-year-old teacher and girls’ soccer coach and a 17-year-old student have led to teacher facing 15 felony counts of sexual acts with a student. He was arrested on Friday, October 17 and pled not guilty. The teacher in question began working at Downey High School last spring…
Lawyers for LAUSD Child Abuse Victims Voice Concern Over Appointment of Ramon Cortines as Interim District Superintendent
Lawyers representing dozens of children in multiple civil lawsuits who were abused by teachers at three Los Angeles Unified School District campuses reacted with “concern and puzzlement” over the appointment of Ramon Cortines as LAUSD’s “interim” Superintendent. Cortines is replacing John Deasy who resigned after less than three years on the job. The 82-year…
GNC Halts Sale of Supplements Containing Questionable Ingredient
Two products sold by nutritional supplement retailer GNC have recently come under attack for using a new stimulant ingredient that could carry serious health risks. The ingredient, marketed under such names as AMP Citrate, 4-amino-2-methylpentane citrate, and DMBA, is facing criticism from scientists, a major industry group, and senators. The products that used the…
LAUSD Dealt Major Setbacks as First Miramonte Child Abuse Trial Looms
A last-ditch attempt by the Los Angeles Unified School District to limit its liability for damages caused by the horrific sexual abuse of dozens of former Miramonte Elementary School students was roundly rejected last week by Superior Court Judge John Wiley. Wiley is presiding over lawsuits brought by dozens of children who were abused…
Records Show LAUSD Knew of Issues with Miramonte Teacher Since 1983
The complex case involving a Miramonte elementary school teacher accused of committing lewd acts against children has drawn much attention from the media and concerned parents. Now, new information has revealed that the Los Angeles Unified School District was aware of complaints and allegations of inappropriate behavior against the teacher, Mark Berndt, since 1983….