Southern California School District Ordered to Pay $48 Million in Student Abuse Case

A jury has ordered the Mountain View School District in El Monte to pay $48 million to six individuals who were sexually abused by a former elementary school teacher, Joseph Baldenebro, at Miramonte Elementary School.

The verdict, announced on Tuesday, follows a four-week trial and two days of deliberation, concluding that the district was negligent in its oversight and employment of Baldenebro.

The abuse, which spanned from the late 1990s to 2017, involved six students in the 4th and 5th grades. Baldenebro, convicted for these crimes, initially received an eight-year sentence, with an additional 12 years added after more victims came forward, according to authorities. Reports indicate that warnings from students and teachers about Baldenebro’s inappropriate behavior were overlooked by the district over the years.

Of the total award, $36.2 million will directly compensate the six victims. This case marks the first of two lawsuits addressing the district’s failure to adequately supervise Baldenebro.

This outcome underscores the critical need for accountability in protecting students within educational settings. For those seeking support or wishing to report concerns, resources are available through local authorities or anonymously via the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.

The news highlighted on this page speaks to the importance of uncovering the truth and holding responsible parties accountable in cases of child sexual abuse.

Saul Wolf at Easton & Easton brings years of focused experience in this complex area of law, having secured significant outcomes in the sum of six, seven and eight figures in high-profile cases against institutions such as Church Entities (including the Roman Catholic Church), Private Schools and Public School Districts (including LAUSD), Youth Servicing Organizations (including Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs) Youth Sports Organizations and National Governing Bodies (including USA Water Polo, and USA Cheer). His ongoing work is driven by a commitment to seeking justice for those whose lives have been impacted by these devastating betrayals of trust.