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Supervisor Kathryn Barger speaks during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting (Photo credit: David Franco\/LA County)<\/em><\/p>\n Today, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger introduced a\u00a0motion<\/a>\u00a0aimed at investigating and addressing recent allegations of fraud tied to civil claims filed under AB 218, the state law extending the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits.<\/p>\n Thousands of AB 218 claims have been filed against Los Angeles County, many involving individuals formerly in the foster care and probation systems. The County is currently facing a historic $4 billion settlement covering approximately 11,000 plaintiffs\u2014the largest financial settlement in County history\u2013with more settlements to come.<\/p>\n A\u00a0recent Los Angeles Times investigation<\/a>\u00a0raised disturbing allegations that some attorneys involved in AB 218 claims may have engaged in misconduct, including offering cash incentives for fabricated allegations. Supervisor Barger\u2019s motion directs\u00a0County Counsel<\/a>\u00a0to immediately investigate these allegations, explore referrals to the California State Bar, strengthen oversight of settlement agreements, and establish a fraud hotline for reporting misconduct.<\/p>\n \u201cFraudulent claims not only jeopardize taxpayer dollars, they also revictimize survivors of childhood sexual abuse by diminishing the legitimacy of their pain and experience,\u201d said\u00a0Supervisor Kathryn Barger<\/strong>. \u201cI will not stand by while unscrupulous actors try to exploit a system that was created to deliver justice and healing. This motion is about accountability, protecting survivors, and ensuring that County resources go to those who truly deserve them.\u201d<\/p>\n Under the motion, County Counsel will report back within 14 days with updates on the claims and fraud hotline implementation.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery legitimate survivor of childhood sexual abuse deserves to be heard and supported,\u201d Barger added. \u201cBut we also have a responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the process. I am committed to rooting out fraud so that justice is not compromised.\u201d<\/p>\n