Pedophile Mark Berndt (LAUSD Teacher)

In a large amount of teacher sexual assault or misconduct cases, multiple entities, including people and organizations, must be held accountable. For example, pedophile Mark Berndt (LAUSD teacher) was committing atrocities against children, and the Los Angeles Unified School District failed multiple times to address the situation.

In many teacher sexual assault cases, the school district or individuals in positions of authority are considered to be liable for the crimes of the perpetrator. In such cases, civil claims can be pursued by the student victim or their loved ones to receive compensation for damages, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering. LAUSD was held accountable for the Miramonte Elementary School teacher who was consistently sexually harassing, abusing, and assaulting school children.

In Plain Sight: How the Los Angeles Unified School District Failed to Act

LAUSD had multiple signs of problems and chances to hold the elementary school teacher accountable. His crimes against children were happening while the district remained negligent in addressing what was going on. Parents and teachers were seeking justice, stating that administrators at Miramonte Elementary School had failed to address complaints from students, teachers, and concerned family members since the 1980s.

Various complaints were submitted by parents of student victims. One noted that they had to wait a year to be notified by the LA school district after an investigation into molestation charges for Berndt had commenced. One parent expressed that she felt a sense of “violation and betrayal.” One court case alleged that a “massive cover-up” allowed the atrocious acts to continue for decades, with some teachers being accused of bringing female students to the empty classroom of Berndt after school so that he could carry out his horrid acts.

The damages caused by the school district ignoring key red flags and complaints are far-reaching, having affected at least over 80 people who have come forward after decades of abuse, with signs of trauma into their adult years. It turns out that Berndt had been giving the students sweets that were laced with bodily fluids. He also took lewd pictures of them with tape over their eyes and mouths, in addition to other atrocities.

In 2024, LAUSD paid out more than $140 million in compensation for damages to 81 school victims and their families. However, more victims are still emerging 10 years later. In January 2024, LAUSD reached a $3.55 million settlement with two more victims who were assaulted, harassed, and molested by pedophile teacher Mark Berndt.

Fight Back Against Negligent School Administrators Today

If you or a loved one is facing this or a similar teacher sexual assault case, there are measures you can take to get compensation for your damages. You can pursue recompense for economic damages, such as medical expenses for psychiatry and psychology services, along with non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

A school sexual assault lawyer from DeMarco Law Firm is here to provide a safe space for you to express your grievances. Together, we can make a comprehensive plan to hold the right people accountable. Contact one of our team members to start pursuing justice today.