Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyer Blog

The Los Angeles Police Department is currently seeking information pertaining to a man that has been accused of molesting a developmentally disabled child, according to the Los Angeles Times. The accused molester is a 29-year-old Wellspring employee who has been working in that same facility for more than three years. He has no prior criminal record and is now facing the devastating allegations of a sex crime in San Fernando Valley.

He specializes in working with children who have autism at Wellspring.

Our Los Angeles sex crime attorneys understand that allegations can be devastating to anyone, especially someone who works with and helps kids on a daily basis. We also understand that children have been known to come forth with false allegations for a number of reasons.

Police placed the young educator under arrest after an autistic child came forward and accused the man of molesting him. He is currently facing 11 counts of committing a lewd act upon a child and 3 counts of oral copulation of a person under the age of 14, according to the LAPD.

The accused man has been working with children for many years now, previously working with developmentally disabled children at the YMCA in La Cañada Flintridge and also as a special educations trainee at Van Nuys.

He is now in jail on a $1.4 million bail. Authorities believe the crimes happened between March of 2008 and March of 2011, according to Sherman Oaks Patch.

Defending against child molestation accusations requires knowledge of both child sexual abusers and of those who make false allegations. Careful planning, investigation and an aggressive approach is necessary for a successful defense. It is critical to immediately contact an attorney when facing such charges as these allegations can negatively affect every aspect of one's life. We understand that false accusations are made every day and it is our duty to help fight for the rights of our clients.

Continue reading "Wellspring Employee Faces Molestation Charges in San Fernando Valley" »

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors agreed to fork out $900,000 to settle a sexual harassment suit filed by one of their deputies. The deputy accused his supervisor of sexually harassing him and threatening him with violent acts, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Even after the county agreed to pay out the $900,000, the supervisor denies the allegations of sexual harassment in Los Angeles.

Our Los Angeles sexual assault attorneys urge you to report all forms of sexual harassment to your supervisor as soon as possible. You are also urged to contact an experienced attorney to ensure that the proper steps are being taken to protect your workplace rights.

"Sexual harassment is about using power in a way to hurt somebody," says Marcia McCormick, associate professor at Saint Louis University School of Law, who specializes in employment law and gender issues.

On our Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyer Blog, we recently discussed the various ways that sexual harassment can occur in the workplace. Male on male sexual harassment cases are on the rise in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the United States. According to Newsweek, same-sex harassment has only been recognized by the court system for a little more than 20 years now.

More than 15 percent of the nearly 13,000 sexual harassment incidents reported in 2009 came from males. This is the largest number of male-reported sexual harassment ever received by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

One of the allegations made by the deputy was that his supervisor requested that he "come into the bathroom for a rectal probe" and boasted he could get the deputy "so drunk" that the deputy would perform oral sex on him, according to the L.A. Times.

"While some people may think sexual harassment of male employees is a joke, the issue is real," says David Grinberg, spokesperson for the EEOC. "We are seeing more of it, and such conduct has serious legal consequences for employers." The EEOC reports that incidents including male on male sexual harassment claims are indeed on the rise.

Our sexual harassment attorneys have been representing clients in sexual harassment cases in Los Angeles County for years now and have a built a strong reputation for achieving justice for our clients. If you're experiencing a sexual harassment case in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, it is critical for you to contact an attorney to protect your rights, your dignity, and your financial well-being.

Continue reading "Nearly $1 million later -- Los Angeles Deputy Still Denies Allegations in Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Case" »

A 36-year-old accused of committing a sex crime is facing a pre-trial hearing next month. The twist? He married the alleged victim in the statutory rape case after being accused of luring her into a sexual relationship when she was 14 years old, according to MSNBC.

The photographer, who is known for work that has appeared on the covers of fitness and fashion magazines, reportedly married the young Laguna Hills woman earlier this year. The marriage supposedly happened just three months after the bride turned 18, according to The Los Angeles Times. The name of the woman is not being released because she is a possible victim of a California sex crime.

A Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney should be contacted immediately after the accusations of a potential sex crime. Sex crimes, including sexual assault, child molestation or rape, are some of the most serious charges under the law. The anguish and embarrassment surrounding such charges too often prevents a defendant from mounting an aggressive defense. And the consequences of a conviction can last a lifetime.

"The bottom line is ... it's almost irrelevant that he married her, as she was under-age when they (allegedly) had sex," said Laurie Levenson, professor of law and director of the Center for Ethical Advocacy at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

The case took a turn after the victim and the alleged sex offender married. The former fiance of the accused was also reportedly involved in the alleged sex crime. The victim's current wife, and prosecuting party in the case, has dropped all charges.

Still, prosecutors say they have enough evidence to proceed with the trial. The photographer, who refers to himself as the "King of Covers" pleaded not guilty. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of the six felonies, including unlawful sexual intercourse and lewd acts on a child.

The case underscores the unusual challenge prosecutors face if alleged victims and perpetrators get married, report The LA Times. The victim will likely assert spousal privilege in an effort to avoid testifying, either voluntarily or at the demand of the prosecution.

The defendant is due in court for a pre-trial hearing in May, according to Mercury News.

Continue reading "Man Faces His Wife in Los Angeles Sex Crime Case" »

The USDA recently presented an offer to women and Hispanic farmers of $50,000 each as a result of sexual discrimination in Los Angeles and elsewhere. This claim process provides the compensation to each woman or Hispanic farmer that can prove that the USDA denied them of a loan or a loan service for discriminatory reasons between 1981 and 2000, according to Southwest Farm Press..

Los Angeles employment lawyers are dedicated to ensuring that employees are treated equally regardless of race or gender. If you feel you are being discriminated against in the workplace for any reason, it is important for you to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your rights.

"Over the next weeks and months we will be reaching out to leaders of Hispanic organizations and women's organizations and asking for their help to spread the word to those who may be eligible," said David Schaad, acting state executive director of the Farm Service Agency. "Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers can come forward and participate in the claims process by registering to receive a claims package."

A second tier of compensation is available for Hispanic or female workers who may also be eligible for funds to pay the taxes on their awards and for forgiveness of certain existing USDA loans. The USDA reports there are no filing fees or other costs to claimants to participate in this program. The USDA would like to remind workers that participation is voluntary and those individuals who choose not to participate are not restricted by the program from filing a complaint in court.

The most recent USDA announcement follows a settlement of separated litigation by the Obama administration's. The filing was organized by Native American farmers and ranchers and African American farmers. Those who were denied a Farm Loan or Loan Servicing by the USDA between 1981 and 1999 may be eligible for benefits from a Class Action Settlement.

Those who were a female or Hispanic farmer or rancher who believe that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) denied farm loan benefits to you for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000 because of race or gender may be eligible for compensation as a result of this recent settlement announced by the USDA.

"Under the resolution announced, USDA and Hispanic and women farmers will be able to move forward and focus on the future," said Tony West, assistant attorney general for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. "The administrative process being established will give Hispanic and women farmers who believe they suffered discrimination the chance to have their claims heard."

USDA is committed to resolving allegations of past discrimination and ushering in "a new era of civil rights" for the Department, according to The Fort Scott Tribune.

Continue reading " USDA offers $50,000 to Those Who Experienced Sexual Discrimination in Los Angeles and Elsewhere" »

Investigators said they found a high school faculty member with a 15-year-old boy he met on Craigslist for sex. Officials found the orchestra instructor in his car with the boy around 11:52 p.m. after receiving reports to a suspicious vehicle parked in a field in the 4800 block of Clark Road.

The faculty member was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor --the boy was later returned to his parents. The man was being held in jail on a $100,000 bond. After obtaining a search warrant for the house of the alleged sex offender, authorities seized a computer, an iPad and a cell phone that will all be examined for possible evidence.

Our Pasadena sex crime attorneys understand the severity behind such allegations and urge you to contact an attorney before making a statement with officials. Often, defendants are likely to make incriminating statements in the absence of an experienced lawyer. You are urged not to settle for a quick plea bargain -- which will never eliminate the cloud of suspicion and could have consequences like sex-offender registration. Being forced to register as a sex offender could follow you for life.

The instructor resigned the day after his arrest and Pasadena ISD officials say letters and phone calls have gone out to parents of students involved in the orchestra program at the school. The instructor may face additional penalties and charges depending on the examination result of the seized property.

If convicted, the school faculty member could face a fine of up to $10,000 and 2 to 20 years in prison.

Defending against child molestation requires knowledge of both child sexual abusers and of those who make false allegations. Careful investigation, planning and an aggressive approach is necessary for a successful defense.

Continue reading "High School Faculty Member Faces Charges of Child Molestation in Pasadena" »

A Bakersfield property manager denies multiple claims of sexual harassment from his tenants earlier this month. A lawsuit was field in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, accusing the manager of sexual harassment, "pervasive" harassment and discrimination since at least 2002.

Our Pasadena sexual harassment lawyers would like to remind you that sexual harassment can take place virtually anywhere and includes any form of unwelcome sexual acts or banter, including unwanted sexual advances. It can also be used as a form of bribery or quid pro quo by a supervisor. Those facing accusations of sexual harassment need to contact an experienced attorney to protect their rights.

The suit alleges the landlord exposed his genitals to two of his female tenants, made unwelcome sexual comments, touched the women without consent and granted or denied housing benefits based on sex. The suit also accuses the landlord of taking discriminatory action against women who refused advances throughout his more than 30 years of operation, according to the SFGate. The suit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, court order barring future discrimination and a civil penalty, according to The Cypress Times.

"It's not one or two (incidents)," said Benjamin Wagner, U.S. Attorney for the district. "We're talking a number of victims over a lengthy period of time."

The landlord denies all allegations, calling them "malarkey" and questioning the motives of the alleged victims. Some current tenants interviewed by KJET 17 said they had never been harassed by the accused landlord.

Our sexual harassment attorneys have been representing clients in sexual harassment cases in Los Angeles County for years and have a strong reputation for achieving justice for our clients. If you're experiencing a sexual harassment case in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, you are urged to contact an attorney.

Continue reading "California Landlord Accused of a Long Sexual Harassment History" »

A 24-year-old Arizona resident was arrested on suspicion of molesting a 13-year-old boy over a five-month period. He was sent to the Los Angeles County Jail and is being held on a $1 million bail. He is currently facing charges of child molestation in Los Angeles as the acts were reportedly committed before he returned to his parent's house in Gilbert, according to the Glendora Patch.

Our Pasadena sex crime attorneys would like you to understand how serious these types of cases are as the only proof may be statements from the defendant or victim. If you find yourself in a similar situation, is is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney before speaking with police.

Later, police reportedly located several images of child pornography on the computers owned by the 24-year-old man. The suspect could be facing even more charges. His Los Angeles sex crime arraignment hearing will be held at the Pomona Superior Court for April 21st.

After the initial allegations, police wrote up a search warrant for the suspect's residence in Gilbert. It was incriminating statements the defendant allegedly made to authorities that caused them to seize his computer and, later, find child pornography. An experienced attorney will work to challenge the admissibility of the alleged statements, which could also prevent evidence seized during execution of the search warrant from being used in court.

Sexual charges, of any nature, must be aggressively defended. It is important not to be intimidated by law enforcement, which may offer a plea deal in exchange for a quick guilty plea. Plea agreements usually involve lifetime registration as a sex offender. Registration will forever limit your ability to find work, housing or to support your family.

Unfortunately, a molestation allegation is enough to cause extreme embarrassment to the defendant and law enforcement will often use this to get a statement. We recommend that a defendant make absolutely no statements until consulting with an experienced attorney. While it's unlikely you will talk your way out of charges, it is extremely possible you could say or do something that could conflict with a future defense strategy. Remember, you have the right to remain silent.

Continue reading "Incriminating Statements Leads to Child Porn in Los Angeles" »

A federal sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit filed on the behalf of a teenage vegetable packer in Santa Maria results in the California farm company paying $27,500 in a settlement, according to Mercury News.

The Santa Maria female Hispanic worker was allegedly groped by a supervisor. Management is also being accused of making lewd gestures to the worker and firing the young worker when she complained.

Our Pasadena sexual harassment attorneys urge you to report any and all uncomfortable behavior to your employer or company headquarters and follow up to make sure they take the proper steps to correct the situation. Reportable behavior can include offensive remarks about a person's sex in addition to comments or acts of a sexual nature, reports The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity C omission (EEOC).

As reported by the commission's Los Angeles office, the company will face athree-year consent decree, which for the establishment to pay $20,000 to the teenage employee and $7,500 to Proteus Inc., a non-profit worker procurement and training firm.

There are a few things you can do to help yourself get educated about how to handle sexual harassment in the workplace. First, it wouldn't hurt to get familiar Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This Act clearly outlines your rights to report sexual harassment at any time. If you are in fact experiencing any type of workplace sexual harassment, make sure to document the occurrences, including date, time and details of the incident for potential future evidence.

Lastly, it is important for you to be familiar with the policy of your workplace provided by your employer. Know who to report to and how to report an incident. If your harasser is your immediate supervisor, go to the management position directly above them and make sure to follow up.

Continue reading "Farmworker Reaches Settlement in Santa Maria Workplace Sexual Harassment Case" »