Santa Paula, CA – A shocking case has unfolded in Ventura County, where David Lane Braff, Jr., a 42-year-old former school counselor, now faces 31 felony counts of child molestation involving 13 alleged victims. As personal injury attorneys serving Ventura County, Easton & Easton is dedicated to helping survivors of abuse seek justice and hold both perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. If your family has been affected by this case, our compassionate legal team is here to support you.

Allegations of Child Molestation Across Ventura County Schools

Braff was initially arrested on November 22, 2024, facing 17 felony counts of child molestation involving eight children, aged 6 to 10, at McKevett Elementary School in Santa Paula, where he worked as a counselor from 2015 to 2019. On May 2, 2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed an amended complaint, adding 14 new felony counts after five additional victims came forward. The allegations now span over two decades, with victims reporting abuse as early as 2004–2005 at the Conejo Recreation and Park District in Thousand Oaks, and continuing through Braff’s tenure at multiple schools and youth programs across Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Braff’s 25-year career included roles as a counselor, sports coach, childcare assistant, substitute teacher, and behavioral therapist at various institutions, such as:
  • McKevett Elementary School (Santa Paula Unified School District)
  • Conejo Valley Unified School District (Thousand Oaks)
  • Moorpark Unified School District
  • Ventura Unified School District
  • Bright Star Schools (Los Angeles)
  • Ingenium Charter Middle School (Canoga Park), where he was an assistant principal and counselor at the time of his arrest
  • Sports Academy (Thousand Oaks)
He faces sentencing enhancements for allegedly exploiting his positions of trust, targeting vulnerable children, and using sophisticated planning in the alleged crimes. Braff remains in custody on $3 million bail, with an arraignment on the new charges scheduled for May 21, 2025.

Authorities Seek Additional Victims in Ventura County

Ventura County investigators believe there may be more victims, given Braff’s extensive access to children across multiple school districts and youth programs. They are urging anyone with information or additional victims to contact Investigator Greg Webb at (805) 477-1627. At [Law Firm Name], we recognize the bravery it takes to come forward, and we’re here to provide the legal support you need to seek justice.

Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse in Ventura County

The allegations against Braff underscore the devastating impact of sexual abuse by authority figures in trusted roles like school counselors. As experienced personal injury attorneys in Ventura County, we’ve seen how such abuse can cause lifelong emotional and physical harm. Survivors may have the right to pursue civil lawsuits against both the abuser and the institutions that failed to protect them, such as schools or districts that may have neglected proper oversight or ignored red flags.
Civil claims can help survivors secure compensation for therapy, medical expenses, and the pain and suffering they’ve endured. California’s evolving laws also provide expanded opportunities for survivors to seek justice, even in older cases, through recent reforms to statutes of limitations. 

The account shared here underscore the critical need for continued vigilance and accountability regarding the safety of children within our Orange County and Los Angeles communities. At Easton & Easton, attorney Saul Wolf remains dedicated to leveraging his extensive experience in cases of childhood sexual abuse to pursue justice for those who have been harmed.

His work reflects a steadfast commitment to thoroughly investigating institutional failures 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)  and advocating for survivors.

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Source: Campus Safety Magazine