UPDATE: New Lawsuits Filed by Victims of Louis Merano Against LAUSD

Taylor & Ring has filed lawsuits against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) on behalf of the victims of Louis Moreno, alleging that they were sexually abused by Moreno – and LAUSD did nothing. The lawsuits allege that LAUSD ignored calls from parents, and even that the District tried to remove children form the classroom, without ever removing Moreno from the classroom.

The abuse occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, and Moreno has since passed away. But thanks to AB 218, survivors can finally seek the justice they have been denied for so long. At a press conference on November 9, 2021, partner Natalie Weatherford explained, “It’s not that they’ve waited thirty years to bring their cases. They were precluded from bringing their cases until a new law passed in California allowing them to bring cases – AB 218, extending the statute of limitations.”

Under the laws at the time of the sexual abuse by Moreno, victims only had six months to bring a claim. The new law gives victims a three-year look back window to revive claims, among other rights. That is why these survivors are finally able to seek the justice they have been denied for so long.

There are now 15 women who have come forward to file lawsuits against LAUSD. “I just want justice; that’s all I want,” said one survivor. “This is a healing process for me, and it’s a healing process for my family as well, and I just want people to come forward.”

If you or your loved one was a victim of sexual abuse by Louis Moreno, or any person employed by LAUSD, Taylor & Ring wants to help. Please contact us for more information.

Peter Reagan, Natalie Weatherford & Dave Ring Fight for Victims of Former LAUSD Teacher Louis Moreno

Three more plaintiffs have filed complaints against former Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) teacher Louis Moreno, alleging sexual assault, harassment, and other misconduct during the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to documents filed in court this week.

The plaintiffs, referred to as Jane Does 2, 3, and 4, are keeping their identities concealed due to the sensitive nature of the incidents and to protect their privacy. The lawsuit was filed on June 1 in Los Angeles against the LAUSD and Moreno, alleging that Moreno groomed and conditioned the Jane Does in the classroom so that he could later sexually abuse them.

They further allege that Moreno “frequently touched Plaintiffs and other students in his classroom, in clear view of the adult teacher’s assistant in the room. Despite this clear abuse occurring on a regular basis in front of other LAUSD employees, no action was taken and [he] was allowed to remain in his position of authority and to continue to abuse young children.”

The plaintiffs also stated that Moreno “regularly touched students in his classroom and attempted to normalize this inappropriate and sexually abusive behavior by making it commonplace,” and between 1989 to 1991, he sexually molested, assaulted, and abused the plaintiffs.

All of these plaintiffs – Jane Does 1 through 4 – were between the ages of five and seven when this sexual abuse occurred.

Taylor & Ring is currently accepting cases related to Louis Moreno. If you have more information, or if you were a victim of sexual assault, please contact us to learn how we may help.

A “sham” investigation

According to court documents, at least one female student reported back to the 96th Street Elementary School that Moreno had inappropriately touched her. Instead of disciplining Moreno, the young girl was transferred to a different teacher and Moreno resumed teaching his first-grade class.

In October 1991, Moreno was arrested and charged with 36 counts of felony child molestation. He pleaded guilty in 1993 to 11 counts of sexual battery against minors under the age of fourteen.

The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages, alleging sexual abuse of a minor, intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment, negligent hiring and supervision, failure to report, and other causes of action for negligence.

“It’s time these women see justice after everything they’ve gone through. Their school failed to protect them during a vulnerable time in their young lives – and part of our job is make sure that never happens again, to anyone,” said Taylor Ring’s Peter Reagan, representing the plaintiffs.

Taylor & Ring has taken on LAUSD before – and won

Over the years, the attorneys of Taylor & Ring have filed numerous lawsuits against LAUSD as well as individuals employed by LAUSD on behalf of victims of sexual abuse and assault. One of those cases involved a former Miramonte Elementary School teacher who abused 58 students. Together with other local firms, we secured $30 million on behalf of those victims. In 2018, we settled a claim against LAUSD on the eve of a trial for $5 million. It is the largest payout ever made by LAUSD for one sexual abuse victim. We are currently representing clients in claims against LAUSD that are unrelated to the Moreno case, and we will continue to fight to hold the District accountable when it fails its students, as it so often has.

The Los Angeles sex abuse attorneys of Taylor & Ring never stop fighting to hold child predators and their enablers accountable. If you or your child were sexually abused by a teacher, staff member, volunteer, or anyone else working in or for LAUSD, we would like to hear your story. To schedule a free consultation, call our office at 310-776-6390, or complete our online contact form.