Teen Molested By Teacher Awarded $3 Million In School District Lawsuit

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Jurors have awarded nearly $3 million in damages to a teenager molested by a Southern California teacher.

Thursday's verdict came in a personal injury lawsuit against the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.

David Park taught at Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights. He's acknowledged sexually abusing two students and served prison time.

The suit was filed on behalf of a girl who was molested at 15. She's now 18. Her lawyers say she suffers from depression and post-traumatic stress.

Jurors found the school district only partially liable. Park was found more culpable but was dropped from the suit, reducing the actual award of $8 million.

The district says the verdict mostly blames Park but serves as a reminder that it must be vigilant in protecting students.