George Harris Jr. Sexual Abuse Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

A recent lawsuit accuses George Harris Jr., a long-time aquatics coach and teacher at several Southern California high schools and USC, of a wide range of sexual abuses against underage students.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
Free Confidential George Harris Jr. Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse, harassment, or molestation by George Harris Jr. while attending El Segundo High School, Arena Continuation High School, Chaffey High School, or USC between 1980-2009, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt&Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to sexual abuse in educational settings. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt&Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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George Harris Jr. Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Overview

The lawsuit alleges George Harris Jr., a long-time aquatics coach and teacher at several Southern California high schools and USC, sexually abused, harassed, and molested numerous students. Primary allegations include inappropriate sexual conversations, grooming behaviors, serving alcohol and marijuana to minors, and engaging in sexual acts with students. Three male students filed the initial lawsuit, claiming abuse occurred over nearly thirty years while Harris was employed at El Segundo Unified School District.

Related Article: Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Update

Latest George Harris Jr. Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

Ongoing – Phillips Law Group highlights the George Harris Jr. sexual abuse case, offering legal insight for other potential victims of abuse in youth sports.

September 2023 – LA Times reported that three former students filed a lawsuit accusing George Harris Jr. of sexual abuse and harassment during his time as a water polo coach and teacher in El Segundo [1].

August 2023 – The Carlson Law Firm filed a lawsuit against George Harris Jr. for alleged sexual abuse of male students during his tenure as a water polo coach and teacher. The lawsuit also names El Segundo Unified School District and USC for allegedly covering up Harris’ abuse.

George Harris Jr. Sexual Abuse Injuries & Side Effects

Victims of sexual abuse often experience a range of long-term psychological and emotional injuries:

  • Psychological Trauma: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation
  • Emotional Distress: Feelings of shame, guilt, and inability to trust
  • Relationship Difficulties: Problems forming and maintaining healthy relationships
  • Academic/Career Impact: Disruption to education and career trajectory

Do You Qualify for a George Harris Jr. Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a George Harris Jr. sexual abuse lawsuit if:

  • You were a student at El Segundo High School, Arena Continuation High School, Chaffey High School, or USC between 1980-2009
  • You participated in water polo, swimming, or other aquatic sports teams coached by George Harris Jr.
  • You experienced sexual abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behavior by George Harris Jr.
  • You can provide evidence of your attendance during the relevant time period

Evidence Required for a George Harris Jr. Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

  • School records confirming your attendance during the relevant time period
  • Documentation of participation in aquatic sports or classes taught by George Harris Jr.
  • Medical or psychological treatment records related to abuse trauma
  • Witness statements or corroborating testimony, if available

Damages You Can Recover

  • Medical and psychological treatment expenses
  • Therapy and counseling costs
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages against responsible institutions

George Harris Jr. Employment Information

George Harris Jr. graduated from USC in 1974 and began his career in education at:

  • Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA (1974-1981)
  • El Segundo Unified School District (1981-2009) as a social science instructor
  • USC as an aquatic sports coach (concurrent with teaching career)
  • El Segundo High School (1991-2009) as water polo and swim team instructor

According to the lawsuit, El Segundo Unified School District allowed Harris to quietly leave in 2009 due to an undisclosed medical condition, which the plaintiffs allege was a deliberate attempt to conceal his sexual abuse.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Sexual abuse cases often have extended statutes of limitations, particularly for cases involving minors. Many states have implemented “lookback windows” that temporarily suspend statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims.

California has extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing many survivors to come forward years or even decades after the abuse occurred.

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FAQs

1. How does Title IX apply to the sexual abuse claims against George Harris Jr.?

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education, including sexual harassment and violence. The lawsuit alleges El Segundo School District failed to fulfill its Title IX obligations by not reporting the abuse to law enforcement, parents/guardians, and district supervisors despite having knowledge of Harris’s repeated victimization of students.

2. What legal options are available for victims of George Harris Jr.’s alleged sexual abuse?

Victims may pursue civil lawsuits for damages, file criminal charges where applicable, or seek compensation through Title IX claims against the responsible educational institutions that failed to prevent the abuse.

3. What is the significance of George Harris Jr.’s departure from El Segundo High School in 2009?

According to the lawsuit, Harris’s departure in 2009 due to an “undisclosed medical condition” was allegedly a deliberate attempt by the school district to conceal his sexual abuse from the community, law enforcement, and the public.

4. Who can file a lawsuit against George Harris Jr. and the schools?

Anyone who was sexually abused, harassed, or molested by George Harris Jr. while attending the schools where he taught or coached between 1980-2009 may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

5. How much compensation can victims receive?

Compensation varies based on factors including severity of abuse, duration, impact on the victim’s life, and the degree of institutional negligence. Cases may result in settlements ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.

6. Is there a time limit to file a claim?

While statutes of limitations exist, California has extended timeframes for sexual abuse cases, allowing many survivors to come forward years after the abuse. Contact our attorneys immediately to discuss your specific situation.

Time is limited to pursue legal action in sexual abuse cases. While California has extended the statute of limitations for such claims, it’s critical to speak with an attorney promptly to protect your legal rights.

Our dedicated Sexual Abuse Litigation Process Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP provides:

  • Free, confidential consultations
  • No upfront costs or fees
  • Payment only if we win your case
  • Nationwide representation with legal action in all 50 states

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Reference

[1] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-09-06/three-former-el-segundo-water-polo-players-accuse-ex-coach-of-sexual-abuse-harassment 

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