Assistant Principal David Lane Braff Charged with Molesting 8 Children, Stalwart Law Pledges Justice for Victims

David Lane Braff Jr. Photo courtesy of Ventura District Attorney’s Office

David Braff Jr. is alleged to have “molested multiple elementary school children over a number of years, shattering the trust placed in him by parents, educators, and the public,” said Erik Nasarenko, Ventura County District Attorney. According to the Ventura DA prosecutor Brent Nibecker, the victims were girls in the first through fifth grades.

Moreover, the Ventura DA’s complaint included that the sexual abuse involved sophisticated calculation and that the victims were especially vulnerable to Braff’s crimes. Special allegations like these can contribute to a heavier sentence if the defendant is convicted.

At the time of his arrest, Braff was an assistant principal and student counselor at Ingenium Charter Middle School in Winnetka, Los Angeles. The school issued a statement on Friday expressing that it was “devasted to learn of the recent allegations.” Ingenium is reportedly working with police and legal officials to support the investigation.

As the case develops, concerns about Braff’s behavior across other places of employment are growing. Nasarenko’s statement included that Braff is believed to have worked at other schools in the SoCal area and volunteered for youth-based organizations in the past, coinciding with the years of sexual abuse at McKevett Elementary School.

As of December 13th, Braff remains in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail, where he is held without bail. His bail was initially set at $3 million, but Ventura County Superior Court Judge Russel-Paul H. Kawai ordered it to be removed during a hearing on Monday, November 26th. Kawai also postponed Braff’s arraignment until December 20th.

Stalwart Law Group is currently working with one victim involved in the case to gather additional evidence. Specialized sexual abuse and school liability lawyers at Stalwart pledge justice for the victims of Braff’s crimes, and are seeking a full scope of compensation for children and families affected.

Any individuals who were victimized by Braff or suspect additional misconduct, regardless if it took place in Ventura County, are encouraged to contact Ventura County Investigator Gregg Webb at (805) 477-1627.

Sexual Abuse and School Liability in Southern California

Sadly, sexual abuse is a serious issue in California schools, with a high prevalence of child victims every year. Between 2017 and 2018, the U.S. Department of Education reported a sharp spike in sexual violence in K-12 schools across the United States, with 13,799 incidents (a 43% increase from 2015-16). As awareness of sexual assault grows, more and more survivors are speaking up and seeking help.

Actual rates of child-related sexual violence are likely higher than reported, as young victims may be too confused or afraid to speak out. It is a great tragedy that child molesters and other perpetrators of sexual violence often get away with their heinous acts. Survivors of abuse should always feel safe and encouraged to contact law enforcement or sexual abuse lawyers if they or someone they know has been a victim of such crimes.

Institutions such as churches and schools have a duty of care to children and can be complicit in child sexual abuse cases. If schools conceal crimes such as Braff’s or create an environment where sexual abuse can occur, they may be held accountable for their negligence and ordered to provide compensation.

As of this year, there is no statute of limitations for child sex crimes occurring after January 1st, 2024. For crimes committed in previous years, survivors of childhood sexual abuse must file a claim by either their 40th birthday or within 5 years of discovering that a present psychological injury was caused by the sexual assault, whichever is later. If you are a survivor of child sex abuse in California, it’s likely not too late to seek help.

If you or someone you know has ever experienced sexual abuse, Stalwart Law encourages you to speak with law enforcement or a sexual abuse lawyer right away.

* The articles provided on the Stalwart Law website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used as professional legal advice or as a substitute for legal consultation with a qualified attorney.