Lawsuit Alleges Abuse by Miramonte Teacher

Four former students at Miramonte Elementary School allege that they were victims of sexual abuse by a teacher formerly employed by the school, according to a new lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that the students were abused by former Miramonte teacher Mark Berndt, who earlier this year pleaded guilty to 23 counts of lewd acts with children. 

Lawyers representing the four victims, three girls and one boy, say the abuse cases are only the "tip of a new iceberg" of claims against the Los Angeles Unified School District for improperly or inadequately reporting and preventing child abuse.

LAUSD's General Counsel David Holmquist said that the district is seeking "an early resolution" in the case.

"Our sincerest hope is that through this process, we can avoid the potential pain of lengthy litigation while promoting healing and improving trust with the community," Holmquist said.

The charges come days after the California State Auditor identified over 144 cases of teacher misconduct that the school district neglected to properly report.

Lawyer John Manly and retired state Senator Martha Escutia are calling for the school district to release files related to alleged abuse by teachers not only at Miramonte but at other district campuses as well. 

Both lawyers also said that the number of victims continues to increase and that an additional 22 abuse victims have not yet filed lawsuits while more victims claims are under investigation by the attorneys.