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LA County supervisors vote to investigate fraud claims in historic $4 billion settlement
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who introduced the motion, says the misconduct allegations "disturbed" and "disgusted" her.
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Screenshot courtesy of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors' live meeting feed
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Topline:
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to investigate fraud allegations tied to civil claims under AB 218, a law that extended the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to sue their abuser.
Why now: It comes as the county’s $4 billion settlement with the first round of those claims is under new scrutiny. A recent L.A. Times investigation alleged a law firm paid plaintiffs to join sex abuse lawsuits against the county — including with fabricated claims. A majority of the allegations are focused around a law firm called DTLA Law Group, which has denied any wrongdoing.
About the motion: The vote directs the County Counsel to investigate alleged misconduct by legal representatives, including with the potential of referrals to the California State Bar, and review the settlement agreement. The motion also kickstarts the creation of a fraud hotline specifically for AB 218 claims. A report back should come in 14 days.
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The backstory: Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors approved the largest settlement in county history to go to about 11,000 people who said the abuse happened decades ago while they were children in the county’s care.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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