EspañolSettlement for Students Abused in an After-School Program
Carrillo Law Firm obtained a $1.4 million settlement for students who alleged that an LAUSD after-school program employee sexually abused them at Arminta Street Elementary School. The students participated in the LA’s BEST program during the 2014–2015 school year and described abuse by program coach John Salinas.
The lawsuit focused on inadequate supervision of the program, its employees, and the students entrusted to their care. Plaintiffs alleged that Salinas kept students in an isolated computer classroom behind a closed door and that school administrators and program supervisors failed to conduct regular classroom observations that could have exposed the misconduct.
The students described lasting anxiety, fear, nightmares, and difficulty trusting adults. After the trial court initially granted summary judgment for LAUSD, the plaintiffs successfully appealed and returned to pursue their claims. The case ultimately resolved through settlement.
