Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

LOS ANGELES - Mark Berndt who was a former teacher at Miramonte Elementary School, was arrested Tuesday at his Torrance home and is being charged with committing lewd acts involving 23 boys and girls, ages 6 to 10, between 2008 and 2010, Fox News reported.

The investigation first began when Berndt, 61, processed film in a Redondo Beach CVS drugstore. The store found and turned in the film that showed numerous children blindfolded with their mouths gagged with packing tape and large, Madagascar-type cockroaches on their faces. Some photos showed Berndt's arm spoon-feeding the children with a white substance that DNA tests revealed to be his semen.

According to 89.3 KPCC News, authorities reported that the children were told they were playing a "tasting game" and were supposed to say whether the substance was sweet or salty and if they liked the taste. Roughly 40 photographs were turned in from the store, and approximately 400 photos were found at the photo lab, Berndt's home, and subsequent searches. Berndt appeared in court today and his bail was increased from $2.3 million to $23 million. His arraignment on 23 counts of lewd acts has been held over until February 23.

Many parents, whose children have attended or currently are attending the elementary school, have expressed and voiced out their concerns and opinions. They also have questions that are left unanswered regarding why they weren't notified when the photos were found and, if the principal knew of the situation, why wasn't anyone informed.

Now if the information provided by news reports is accurate, it is emotionally disturbing how Berndt took advantage of his authority as a teacher and of the innocent children. Many students who enroll at the school are learning English as their second language and have been unable to communicate what occurred.

Therefore, as the investigation remains ongoing, the parents of Berndt's students would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable and experienced Miramonte Elementary School molestation lawyer. Attorneys at the law firm of Estey and Bomberger have handled many incidents like this and have the experience of representing victims of horrendous abuse. Thus, speaking to an attorney immediately is absolutely vital, as he or she may be able to help families hold the perpetrator responsible, as well as the school, school district, and other entities responsible if it is determined that their negligent supervision contributed to the horrific acts Berndt is accused of.