Facts

Defendant Paul Gonzales was a Los Angeles County employee from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Defendant allegedly sexually molested and harassed Plaintiff J.N.B.D. , a minor, while she trained at the Eastside Eddie Heredia Boxing Club, from June through November 2017. The alleged conduct included touching, calling and texting plaintiff with inappropriate sexual dialogue, and text exchange of sexual images. Plaintiff never reported the county employee to anyone. Plaintiff's mother discovered the texts and photographs and reported those to law enforcement.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTION: The Department was made aware of the defendant's conduct after he was arrested and charged with five felony counts. Plaintiff claimed the county should have known the facts but failed to disclose them. Plaintiff claimed damages arising from the alleged conduct.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied the allegations.

Result

The parties agreed to a $625,000 settlement. The Department will revise its policies to prohibit one-on-one close-door interactions and will provide specific training to the employees.