Blog
Ontario Softball Coach Arrested on Child Sexual Assault Allegations
A 64-year-old softball coach in Southern California has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, according to the Ontario Police Department. Authorities identified the suspect as Michael Patrick Fitzgerald of Ontario. On January 7, police began investigating a report of sexual abuse involving a child and a family member. The victim, a 14-year-old girl, reported the incident to law enforcement officials. Following the investigation, Fitzgerald was taken into custody and arrested on several felony charges involving lewd and lascivious acts with a minor. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center and is being held on [...]
Former Orange County Cheerleading Coach Convicted of Molesting 10 Young Girls
A former cheerleading coach in Orange County has been convicted on 23 felony counts for molesting 10 girls as young as 9 years old across multiple organizations spanning nearly a decade, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Erick Joseph Kristianson, 46, of Antioch, Tennessee, was convicted Monday on 11 felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts upon a minor under 14 years of age, four felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts upon a child age 14 or 15, six felony counts of sexual penetration by foreign object of a minor under 18, and two felony counts of [...]
Anaheim Teacher’s Aide Sentenced to 25 Years for Molesting Three Boys at Charter School
An Anaheim teacher's aide has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting three boys at an Orange County charter school, according to court records. Justin Dean Evans, 30, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of forcible lewd acts on a child. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Evans worked at Goals Academy, located at 4012 W. Carl Karcher Way in Anaheim, when he molested the three boys in 2018 and 2019. According to police testimony, Evans molested the boys by grabbing their crotches while [...]
California CCP §340.1: Extends Filing Deadlines for Adult Survivors
California CCP §340.1 is a significant law that has helped survivors of childhood sexual abuse hold abusers and institutions accountable for their actions. In 2026, this law remains an important avenue for adult survivors who were previously unable to pursue legal claims due to expired deadlines. California Code of Civil Procedures (CCP) §340.1 provides a path for survivors to seek justice when they are ready, acknowledging the fact that trauma can delay disclosure and reporting. What Is California CCP §340.1? CCP §340.1 is a law that addresses the statute of limitations for civil claims arising from childhood sexual abuse. [...]
Mandatory Reporting Laws in California: What Every Parent Should Know
As a parent, you have the right to expect schools, childcare providers, youth programs, and faith-based institutions to protect your children. That’s why the state has enacted mandatory reporting laws in California, which require suspected abuse to be brought to the attention of authorities quickly and not resolved behind closed doors. Mandatory reporting is one of California’s most effective tools in 2026 for detecting abuse early and preventing further harm to children. When mandatory reporters fail to do their job, children can be left in dangerous situations for months, even years. Parents have the right to know who must [...]
How to Sue a Private School in California for Failure to Report Sexual Abuse?
If you or your child suffered abuse in a private school in California, you might have questions about how to sue a private school in California for failure to report sexual abuse. Survivors often feel they alone carry the weight of past abuse, but in California, we know that when a private school remains silent, or when an administrator or school employee fails to report suspected abuse, it gives permission for the harm to deepen and continue unchecked. A private school in California cannot opt out of the state’s mandatory reporting laws. Teachers, school administrators, school counselors, coaches, and [...]
Pastor Convicted of Sexual Assault in Orange County and Riverside Churches Highlights Need for Institutional Accountability
Los Angeles, CA – The recent conviction of Santa Ana pastor Carlos Ramirez Valdez on multiple felony charges of sexual assault against three young girls has brought renewed attention to the critical issue of child sexual abuse within religious institutions. As personal injury attorneys serving Orange County and Riverside communities, Easton & Easton is committed to raising awareness about the rights of survivors and the importance of holding both perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable for failures in child protection. Details of the Conviction On September 11, 2025, Carlos Ramirez Valdez, 61, was convicted in Santa Ana Superior Court on [...]
Dana Hills High School Coach Arrested for Sexual Relationship with Student Highlights Need for Athletic Program Oversight
Los Angeles, CA – The recent arrest of Dana Hills High School assistant basketball coach Michael Duran on charges of oral copulation with a minor has brought renewed focus to the critical issue of sexual abuse within educational and athletic settings. As personal injury attorneys serving Orange County communities, Easton & Easton is committed to raising awareness about the rights of survivors and the importance of holding both perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable for failures in student protection. Details of the Charges Against Coach Duran Michael Duran, 44, was arrested and booked by the Orange County Sheriff's Department on [...]
Church Elder Charged with Decade-Long Sexual Abuse of Child Demonstrates Need for Religious Institution Accountability
Los Angeles, CA – The arrest and charging of Michael Robert Maxwell, a 42-year-old church elder at Redeemer Church of Orange County, on 18 felony counts of sexual assault against a child has highlighted critical issues surrounding abuse in religious institutions. As personal injury attorneys serving Orange County communities, Easton & Easton is committed to raising awareness about the rights of survivors and the importance of holding both perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable for failures in child protection. Details of the Charges Against Church Elder Maxwell Michael Robert Maxwell faces 18 felony counts of sexual assault involving a victim [...]
Former Softball Coach Charged with Repeated Sexual Assault of Teen Player Highlights Dangers in Youth Sports
Los Angeles, CA – The arrest and charging of Armando Felix, a 50-year-old former softball coach from Victorville, on felony charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old has brought renewed attention to the vulnerability of young athletes in youth sports programs. As personal injury attorneys serving Southern California communities, Easton & Easton is committed to raising awareness about the rights of survivors and the importance of holding both perpetrators and negligent sports organizations accountable for failures in athlete protection. Details of the Charges Against Coach Felix Armando Felix was arrested at the Victorville [...]
Orange County Basketball Coach Arrested for Sexual Assault and Grooming Minor Highlights Critical Need for Athletic Program Oversight
Los Angeles, CA – The arrest of Michael Joseph Duran, a 44-year-old basketball coach at Dana Hills High School in Orange County, on allegations of sexual assault and grooming of a minor has brought renewed attention to the vulnerability of young athletes in educational and club sports settings. As personal injury attorneys serving Orange County communities, Easton & Easton is committed to raising awareness about the rights of survivors and the importance of holding both perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable for failures in student-athlete protection. Details of the Allegations Against Coach Duran Michael Joseph Duran was arrested on August [...]
Long Beach Substitute Teacher and Baseball Coach Charged with Sexual Abuse of Student Highlights School Safety Concerns
Los Angeles, CA – The arrest and charging of Gabriel Vigil, a 34-year-old substitute teacher and baseball coach at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach, on multiple felony sex crimes has brought renewed focus to the critical issue of student safety within educational institutions. As personal injury attorneys serving Los Angeles County communities, Easton & Easton is committed to raising awareness about the rights of survivors and the importance of holding both perpetrators and negligent educational institutions accountable for failures in student protection. Details of the Charges Against Vigil Gabriel Vigil was charged in Long Beach Superior Court with [...]
Anaheim Tutor Sentenced to 235 Years to Life for Sexual Abuse of Two Boys Highlights Vulnerabilities in Educational Support Programs
Los Angeles, CA – The sentencing of Zeta "Jimmy" Dhanapanth to 235 years and eight months to life in prison for the repeated sexual assault of two boys he tutored has brought critical attention to the vulnerabilities children face in educational support programs. As personal injury attorneys serving Orange County communities, Easton & Easton is committed to raising awareness about the rights of survivors and the importance of holding both perpetrators and negligent organizations accountable for failures in child protection. Details of the Conviction and Sentencing On July 19, 2025, 53-year-old Zeta "Jimmy" Dhanapanth was sentenced by Orange County [...]
California Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach Faces Multiple Sexual Abuse Charges as Additional Victims Come Forward
Los Angeles, CA – The re-arrest of Ronald Wilson, a 72-year-old former wrestling coach and California Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, on charges including forced rape and sexual assault of minors has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and highlighted ongoing issues of sexual abuse in youth sports. As personal injury attorneys serving Southern California communities, Easton & Easton is committed to raising awareness about the rights of survivors and the importance of holding both perpetrators and negligent educational institutions accountable for failures in student-athlete protection. Details of the Charges Against Coach Wilson Ronald Wilson faces serious charges including [...]
How to Report Sexual Assault In Los Angeles?
Although it can be overwhelming, knowing how to report sexual assault in Los Angeles is an important first step toward safety and accountability. Whether it happened on campus, in a private home, or in a public place, taking action quickly can preserve evidence, ensure you get medical care, and connect you to services. Law enforcement and medical centers in LA deliver compassionate responses and connect individuals with necessary follow-up support systems. Every situation is different, but understanding your choices helps you identify your future course of action. You have the right to choose whether to report your assault. As [...]
What Our Clients Say
“Client testimonials reflect individual experiences; results vary. No guarantee of outcome.”
Contact
Contact
ES 
