Editorial: LA County right to pause fraud-plagued settlement payments
Los Angeles County is justified in pausing settlement payments due to a potential surge of fraudulent claims related to sexual abuse lawsuits.Summary
An editorial from the Whittier Daily News supports Los Angeles County’s decision to temporarily halt payments from a $4 billion settlement intended for victims of sexual abuse. The pause comes after an investigation by the Los Angeles Times revealed potentially fraudulent claims, prompting District Attorney Nathan Hochman to request the halt while his office investigates. The editorial acknowledges that while Assembly Bill 218, which lifted the statute of limitations on abuse lawsuits, was well-intentioned, the passage of time and the pursuit of financial gain create opportunities for fraud. The Board of Supervisors received legal advice suggesting the claims had merit despite the significant financial burden on the county, but Supervisor Janice Hahn has since admitted a mistake was made in not thoroughly vetting the claims. The editorial emphasizes the importance of verifying claims and protecting taxpayer dollars, stating that good intentions should not overshadow the need for due diligence when large sums of money are involved.
(Source：Whittier Daily News)