Southern California Counselor Accused of Sexually Abusing 13 Children
A former school counselor in Ventura County, David Lane Braff, Jr., 42, from Thousand Oaks, faces additional charges after five more child victims were identified. Braff was initially arrested on November 22, 2024, for allegedly molesting eight students at McKevett Elementary School in Santa Paula between 2015 and 2019 while working as a counselor. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced the new charges on April 29.
Braff was employed as an assistant principal and school counselor at Ingenium Charter Middle School in Los Angeles when he was arrested. He has been held on $3 million bail since his arrest. On April 29, prosecutors added 14 new felony charges for lewd acts with a child under 14. Four of the new victims were former students at McKevett Elementary School, while the fifth victim was allegedly abused between 2004 and 2005 when Braff worked for the Conejo Recreation and Park District in Thousand Oaks.
Prosecutors now accuse Braff of molesting 13 children, with the total charges rising to 31 counts of child molestation involving both male and female victims. The initial charges also claim Braff abused a position of trust, targeted vulnerable victims, and committed the crimes with planning and care.
Crimes involving child molestation are among the most serious and emotionally charged offenses within the legal system. Allegations of this nature carry severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and irreparable damage to one’s reputation and personal relationships. These cases often involve complex legal procedures, substantial evidence, and sensitive testimonies, making them both challenging and highly delicate.
For anyone accused of such crimes, securing experienced Waalin & Klarich legal representation is critical. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can ensure the accused receives a fair trial, conducts thorough investigations, and challenges the evidence presented. They can also provide essential guidance through the emotional and legal complexities of the case. While the justice system aims to protect victims, it is also fundamental that the rights of the accused are preserved, and a fair and impartial process is maintained.
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With over 40 years of experience representing individuals who have been accused of serious sex crimes, our firm understands the critical importance of a fair and impartial legal process. We are committed to safeguarding the rights of our clients and ensuring that their cases are adjudicated based on evidence and not assumptions.
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