Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LAUSD to Pay $30M in Settlements to Victims of Teacher Who Fed Students His Sperm
The Los Angeles Unified School District has settled a whopping 58 legal claims filed in conjunction with the sexual abuse of students at Miramonte Elementary School in South L.A. Among those students are alleged victims of Mark Berndt, a veteran teacher who is accused of numerous abuses, including feeding kids his own semen in what he called a "tasting game."
The settlement is a purported $30 million, though the LAUSD has declined to state a specific figure, notes City News Service. Estimates put each plaintiff receiving $400,000 to $500,000.
Before the money is doled out, however, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge will have to review and approve each settlement.
There still remains numerous lawsuits and legal claims against the LAUSD in conjunction with abuse at Miramonte; there have been about 190 claims filed.
Berndt was arrested in January 2012, accused of shocking abuses, including blindfolding his students, feeding them his sperm in cookies and on spoons, putting cockroaches on their faces, and taking photos of them during the abuse. Additionally, another former Miramonte teacher, Martin Springer, is awaiting trial on three felony counts of lewd acts with a child.
The LAUSD has said they do not wish to prolong the settlement process, ergo their fairly swift decision to enact payouts. LAUSD General Counsel David Holmquist said the district arrived at the settlements "to restore healing in the community and provide for the students." Holmquist said that while the district has a legal fund, about a dozen insurance companies are involved in the settlements.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
