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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7 approved a motion directing county counsel to investigate allegations of misconduct in legal claims arising from AB 218 and to refer any evidence of attorney misconduct to the State Bar of California; the board also directed the auditor‑controller to establish a confidential hotline to report alleged fraud.

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The motion followed a Los Angeles Times investigation that raised questions about lawyers’ practices in pursuing historic claims of child abuse against the county after AB 218 (sometimes referred to as the “Gonzales” bill) reopened old claims. Supervisors said they support victims and compensation but must also protect public funds from fraud and ensure legal claims are credible.

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Supervisor Kathryn Barger framed the item by reiterating the county’s commitment to victims of childhood sexual abuse and noting the scale of settlements already proposed, which she described as the largest in the county’s history. She said recent media reporting raised serious concerns and “it is appalling and sickening that anyone would exploit a system meant to bring justice to victims of childhood sexual abuse.”

Barger’s motion asked county counsel to investigate alleged misconduct by legal representatives involved in these claims, engage the State Bar for appropriate referrals, and directed the Auditor‑Controller’s Office of Countywide Investigations to establish a confidential fraud hotline. She also requested that the hotline number be posted in DPSS offices and other public locations.

Supervisor Janice Hahn said the reported practice — including alleged paid sign‑ups and fabricated claims — “is criminal and unconscionable” and urged the district attorney to investigate any criminal conduct. Supervisors across the board acknowledged the tension: the county must compensate legitimate victims while protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring the integrity of settlements.

The motion passed unanimously. Auditor‑Controller Oscar Valdez said his office “is committed to executing the request” and would stand up the hotline and staff investigations. The board directed county counsel to report back on investigative findings and any recommended legal actions.

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The board’s vote does not change the underlying settlements or individual claims; instead it launched a formal county investigation into allegations of fraud and professional misconduct and created a reporting mechanism for confidential information.