Parents of Sexually Abused Children File Lawsuit Against Los Angeles School District

July 11th, 2012    Posted in Sexual Harassment News

LOS ANGELES, CA – Fourteen mothers who claim their children were sexually abused by a Los Angeles teacher have sued the school district on Tuesday seeking damages for “generalized shock and trauma.”

In addition to damages, the lawsuit seeks unspecified “compensatory economic and special damages for medical expenses,” including therapy for the children, as well as changes to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s policies regarding teacher misconduct.

The case involves claims that former teacher Mark Berndt, of Miramonte Elementary, sexually abused several children.

Berndt, 61 who is being held on $23 million bond, faces 23 felony counts of lewd acts on children between 7 and 10 years old.

All but two of the victims were girls.

The lawsuit claims Berndt took photographs of the children “with cookies in the mouths of plaintiff’s children, and/or blindfolded the children, and/or placed cockroaches on the bodies of plaintiff’s children, for the intent of arousing and gratifying the lust, passions and sexual desires of Mark Berndt.”

Berndt was fired in January 2011 after school officials learned of the sexual harassment investigation. Authorities said they discovered nearly 600 images allegedly taken by Berndt in his classroom.

Berndt, who had been teaching for 30 years, initially challenged the school district’s decision to dismiss him but eventually dropped his appeal and resigned in spring 2011.

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome and unwanted sexual acts, including lewd jokes, requests for sex in exchange for benefits, or violent attacks.  If you or someone you know has been victimized, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately for help.

Sexual harassment lawyers ensure that the offender is held accountable for their actions and fight so you can obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact a team of sexual harassment attorneys today to file a case.