More than a decade after Mark Berndt’s arrest shocked the nation, survivors of his abuse are still coming forward—and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is still being held accountable for its failure to act.
In 2024, LAUSD agreed to pay a combined $3.55 million to two additional victims who were abused by Berndt as children while attending Miramonte Elementary School. Jane RE Doe was awarded $1.85 million, and John AE Doe was awarded $1.7 million. Their lawsuits echo those of dozens of other children abused by Berndt over the course of his decades-long career, alleging not only the horrific acts themselves, but also institutional negligence and years of ignored complaints by LAUSD and Miramonte administrators.
A Pattern of Abuse Ignored
Mark Berndt began teaching at Miramonte Elementary in 1979. For more than 30 years, he used his position of trust to sexually abuse children in his classroom—acts that included feeding them cookies laced with his semen, blindfolding them, taping their mouths shut, and photographing them in disturbing and humiliating scenarios. Some children were even subjected to cockroaches placed on their faces as part of his abuse.
Despite red flags dating back to the early 1980s, including a 1983 incident where Berndt reportedly dropped his pants in front of students during a field trip, school officials failed to act. Investigations later uncovered that complaints from parents, students, and fellow teachers were routinely dismissed or ignored.
In 2012, Berndt was finally arrested after a CVS photo technician reported disturbing images found in film Berndt brought in for development. The following year, he pleaded no contest to 23 counts of lewd conduct with a child and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
One of the Largest School Sexual Abuse Settlements in U.S. History
In 2014, LAUSD agreed to pay a then-record $139 million to settle civil claims filed by 81 of Berndt’s victims. An additional $30 million was paid to the families of 65 other Miramonte students. These lawsuits exposed LAUSD’s gross failure to protect children from a known predator—one who was allowed to remain in the classroom even after alarming reports of misconduct.
The settlement, however historic in scale, could never undo the emotional trauma inflicted on Berndt’s victims.
We’re Here to Help
At Herman Law, we understand the courage it takes to come forward. Our attorneys have helped countless survivors of childhood sexual abuse hold schools, churches, youth organizations, and other institutions accountable.
The recent settlements are a reminder that this case is not closed. More victims continue to come forward, seeking both justice and acknowledgment of their pain.
Under California’s Child Victims Act (AB 218), many survivors of childhood sexual abuse—like those harmed by Mark Berndt—still have the legal right to file civil lawsuits. The law allows victims to pursue claims until they reach the age of 40, or within five years of discovering the connection between the abuse and its lasting psychological effects, whichever is later.
If you or someone you know was abused by Mark Berndt, you are not alone. We believe there are more victims out there who have yet to speak up, and we are here to listen.
Your consultation is always free and confidential. Contact Herman Law today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice.