Overview
- District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced an investigation into false filings tied to Los Angeles County’s payouts, vowing prosecutions of those who orchestrated fraud.
- Reporting by the Los Angeles Times identified nine plaintiffs who said they were paid to sue, with four admitting fabrication; all nine cases were filed by Downtown LA Law Group, which denies wrongdoing.
- Hochman said his office is scrutinizing lawyers, recruiters and medical practitioners and offered limited protections for individuals who truthfully disclose their participation, excluding attorneys and medical professionals.
- The county approved a $4 billion settlement in April and another $828 million in October, and prosecutors now estimate roughly 14,000 total claims with costs expected to rise.
- County leaders have launched their own inquiries, set up a public tip line and moved to curb predatory solicitation outside social services offices as budget cuts, including a $24 million reduction to the DA’s office, help finance the payouts.