Empowering California Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Bell High School
If you were abused by a teacher, coach, staff member, or trusted adult at Bell High School or any other California school, we want to help you
Bell High School is a public high school located in Bell, California. The school, which serves grades 9 through 12, is a part of District 6 of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Meredith Seals was hired by the Los Angeles Unified School District to work as a Driver’s Ed teacher and a track coach at Bell High School. Juan Fraga was hired by the Los Angeles Unified School District to work as an auto shop teacher at Bell High School. Fraga also taught summer school classes at James A. Garfield Senior High School in Los Angeles, California.
During the 1978 to 1979 academic year, a 15-year-old female was assigned to Seals’ driving class. After becoming aware of some challenges in her personal and home life, Seals targeted this student for sexual grooming and assault. Seals offered to give the victim a passing grade if, and only if, she had sex with him.
During the 1978 to 1979 academic year, a 15-year-old female was assigned to Seals’ driving class. After becoming aware of some challenges in her personal and home life, Seals targeted this student for sexual grooming and assault. Seals offered to give the victim a passing grade if, and only if, she had sex with him.
Shortly after Seals began sexually assaulting this victim, Juan Fraga (an auto shop teacher) learned of Seals’ sexual assault of her. Instead of reporting the abuse, Fraga took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability and began sexually assaulting her. Seals’ and Fraga’s sexual abuse of the victim continued throughout her time as a student at Bell High School. Seals and Fraga’s current locations, and whether they have access to children, is unknown.
If you are concerned about your privacy, or remaining anonymous, you can learn more about that in our Questions & Answers section on our website.
While their school motto, “Honor lies in honest toil”, depicts an institution that values truth and integrity, the alleged complicity and cover-up of abuse seem to tell a different story. Unfortunately, it is likely that there are more students out there who have yet to come forward who were abused at Bell High School.
If you were abused by Meredith Seals, Juan Fraga, or any other employee or volunteer at Bell High School, but are scared to come forward, we understand. It’s important to note that any conversations you have with our firm will be confidential and compassionate. Not only can taking legal action bring a sense of empowerment, it could also potentially stop other kids from being abused.
California Child Victims Act
On January 1, 2020, the California Child Victims Act (AB 218) opened a three-year window for California child sexual assault survivors of any age to file claims against their perpetrators and the institutions responsible for the abuse, no matter when the abuse occurred. This means survivors abused in California only have until December 31, 2022 to take legal action.
You Are Not Alone. We Are Here to Help.
It’s time for justice. It’s time for you to share your story safely and confidentially. It’s time to lay down your burden and reclaim some of your power. It’s time to expose those who hurt you and make sure what happened to you never happens to another child. It’s time to take action under the California Child Victims Act. Before making a decision concerning such severe and sensitive matters, we encourage all survivors of child sexual abuse to consult with legal counsel before proceeding with a claim. We want to help you find accountability and healing. We will stand by you. We will fight for you.