Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman on Wednesday announced a criminal investigation into potentially fraudulent childhood sexual abuse claims filed against the County under California Assembly Bill 218, which extended the statute of limitations for such allegations.

The probe follows reports that individuals may have been paid to submit false claims through law firms, potentially defrauding the County and undermining legitimate survivors. Hochman said his office is investigating hundreds of cases and urged non-lawyer claimants who knowingly filed false reports to come forward, noting their statements will not be used against them. The offer does not extend to attorneys, doctors, recruiters or others who may have facilitated the alleged fraud.

“False reporting of sexual abuse undermines our entire justice system and is a grave disservice to actual victims who have already suffered unspeakable trauma,” Hochman said in a statement. “My Office is taking the allegations seriously that some individuals were paid cash to have law firms file false sexual abuse claims against the County. This is criminal conduct that abuses the law and steals from victims and taxpayers.

“I thank the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for their unwavering support of victims of childhood sexual abuse and their commitment to work with and provide resources to my Office and law enforcement to bring any and all fraudsters to justice. My Office unequivocally stands with...

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