PUSD Slammed With $26 Million Verdict in Sexual Assault Case

A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury has delivered a $26 million verdict for a former Pasadena Unified School District special education student who was sexually assaulted at school by three of her male classmates.

According to a statement released on Monday, an unidentified 11-year-old student in the special education program for emotionally disturbed children at Focus Point Academy was assaulted during the 2015-2016 school year.

The program was staffed, funded and operated by the Pasadena Unified School District. The incident occurred on May 17, 2016, when a teacher’s aide tasked with supervising the student left her unsupervised with three male classmates who dragged her behind a building and sexually assaulted her.

The PUSD denied the attack took place, and denied the School District’s negligence, according to Wednesday’s statement.

As a result of the sexual assault, the Plaintiff eventually was institutionalized, her attorneys said.
At trial, in addition to denying that the sexual assault had occurred, the defense argued that the Plaintiff suffered no damages as a result of the School District’s conduct and that the jury should award her nothing.

The jury disagreed and awarded the Plaintiff $12,500,000 for her past pain and suffering and $13,500,000 for her future pain and suffering.

“This verdict demonstrates that all children, regardless of their disabilities, deserve to be protected,” said trial counsel David Rudorfer.