EspañolMenudo Founder and Manager Edgardo Díaz Under Investigation For Sexual Assault Against Ex-Member
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 3, 2023) – Edgardo Díaz, the founder and manager of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, is being investigated by the LAPD over allegations of sexual assault.
The Los Angeles Police Department has said that the accusation is being made by a ex-band member. The accuser was a teenage member of Menudo during the height of its popularity.
He previously accused Edgardo Díaz of sexually abusing him and other members of the band back in 2014 during a reality show. Some of the accusations are extremely graphic.
The former band member said that Edgardo Díaz took him to a room, tied him to a bed, beat him with a damp towel and then proceeded to rape him. A full investigation by the LAPD remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Childhood Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involving children is sadly very common in the United States. According to RAINN, “In FY16 alone, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated, or found strong evidence to indicate that, 57,329 children were victims of sexual abuse. One in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault.” There are a number of steps that sexual predators may take prior to abusing children.
- Abusers identify and target their victims. They typically go for kids who are vulnerable and come from poorer families.
- Abusers typically offer the victim special attention.
- Abusers look to play an important role in the child’s life.
- Abusers may look to isolate the child.
- Abusers may seek to keep the abuse going with threats.
It is illegal for any adult in California to have a sexual relationship with a minor. Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, it is a crime for a person to commit any lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age. A person may also face a felony rape charge for their actions. Under California Penal Code 261, “Rape is an act of sexual intercourse […] accomplished against a person’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the person or another.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse in California.
- A police report of the incident should be created.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be consulted.
Sexual perpetrators could face civil and criminal liability for their actions. Any person that is the victim of childhood sexual abuse may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses and trauma that often coincide with sexual abuse. California is also poised to pass a law eliminating the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Even if you were ineligible in the past to file any claim, you may have legal recourse now.
Investigating California Child Sexual Abuse Claims
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to the Menudo band member who has bravely come forward. The Los Angeles Police Department should do the right thing and investigate these claims thoroughly. It is our sincere hope that justice prevails in this case.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused as a child in California? You may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys may be able to help you. We care deeply that abuse victims get the support and justice they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance we are here for you. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
