The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, led by Nathan Hochman, is investigating potentially fraudulent claims in two large sex abuse settlements approved by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors this year. The settlements, totaling over $4.8 billion, were intended for more than 11,000 individuals who alleged childhood sexual abuse while under county supervision, particularly at facilities like the now-closed MacLaren Children's Center.
Hochman announced that his office is focusing on claims that may have been falsified, potentially involving hundreds of cases. He offered a form of amnesty, known as "use immunity," to those who voluntarily come forward and admit to filing fraudulent claims. This immunity means their statements will not be used against them in court, although it does not fully protect them from prosecution. Hochman emphasized the importance of ensuring taxpayers are not burdened by false claims, stating, "That'll be you and me paying for that."
The investigation was prompted by reports, including those from the Los Angeles Times, that some claimants were paid by law firms to file false claims. One firm under scrutiny is Downtown LA Law, which is accused of facilitating fraudulent claims and vehemently denies the allegations. Hochman made it clear that while claimants who come forward may receive some leniency, this offer does not extend to attorneys or law firms involved in the alleged fraud.
The settlements were made possible by California's...
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, led by Nathan Hochman, is investigating potentially fraudulent claims in two large sex abuse settlements approved by the L.A. County Board of Sup...