Trial Magazine

Doe, a 16-year-old student at Pomona High School, allegedly was raped by track coach Herman Hopson while on an overnight school-sponsored trip. Doe left her school shortly after and was allegedly threatened not to reveal the incident. She now suffers from depression and PTSD.

Doe sued the Pomona Unified School District, alleging its administrators and personnel had been aware of alleged grooming and sexually abusive behavior by multiple coaches, including Hopson, but failed to address it.

The jury awarded $35 million.

Citation: Doe v. Pomona Unified Sch. Dist., No. 22PSCV00686 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cnty. Jan. 22, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Natalie Weatherford and John Taylor, both of Manhattan Beach, Calif.