Verdict against ABC Unified School District follows allegations of childhood sexual abuse at an Artesia elementary school; six related cases remain

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Herman Law announced a jury has awarded $29 million to J.O., an anonymous plaintiff, in a civil case against ABC Unified School District. The verdict follows J.O.'s pursuit of accountability for sexual abuse he says he experienced as a child while attending Luther Burbank Elementary School in Artesia, California. It is the first of seven cases involving allegations against the same former teacher to go to trial. The case was tried by the Herman Law trial team of Greg Glazer and Justin Felton.

The lawsuit alleged that the district had prior notice of the teacher's sexual misconduct involving other students but failed to take appropriate action to protect children in its care. Six additional cases involving allegations against the same former teacher have yet to go to trial, underscoring the broader significance of the litigation and the importance of examining how schools respond to allegations of abuse.

"J.O. demonstrated extraordinary courage in coming forward and pursuing accountability for what he experienced as a child," said Glazer. "This verdict sends an important message about the responsibility schools have to protect the children entrusted to their care. Every child deserves a safe learning environment, and every survivor deserves to be heard. We hope this outcome encourages institutions to examine their safeguards, take allegations seriously and act decisively to protect students."

The case also raises broader questions about how educational institutions respond to allegations of sexual abuse, the effectiveness of student protection policies and the accountability of those responsible for maintaining safe learning environments.

To learn more about Herman Law's work representing survivors of sexual abuse, visit HermanLaw.com.

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About Herman Law

Herman Law is a plaintiff-side law firm representing survivors of institutional sexual abuse, with offices in New York, California, New Jersey, Maryland and Florida. Founded and led by Jeff Herman for more than 25 years, the firm represents survivors in more than 5,000 cases against religious institutions, school districts, foster care systems, residential facilities and youth organizations nationwide. To learn more, visit HermanLaw.com.

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SOURCE Herman Law