COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenberg Gross filed a lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court against the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) alleging sexual assault at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) a. by its founder Ralph S. Opacic. The lawsuit alleges that Opacic used his leadership of OCSA for decades to create and foster a toxic environment at OCSA that allowed him to exploit vulnerable students. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the OCSA and SAUSD ignored rumors and other red flags about Opacic’s misconduct toward underage students, all in an effort to protect OSCA’s reputation, widely regarded as one of Southern California’s premier art schools is recognized and the nation.

OCSA opened in Santa Ana in 2000 as the Charter School for the Arts. Opacic was the founder and CEO of OCSA until his retirement at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. As Executive Director, Opacic was in a position of power, respect, trust, trust and authority over the plaintiff and other students under his care. The lawsuit alleges that faculty, faculty and administration nurtured a cult-like mentality that helped shield Opacic when rumors of his sexual relations with students circulated.

The plaintiff entered the OCSA in the 8th grade. Complainant has been performing since childhood and discovered a passion for theater and other performing arts. Raised in Oakland, the plaintiff was bullied for his interest in art and finally felt a sense of belonging when he began taking classes at the OCSA. When the plaintiff was in his junior year, Opacic began grooming him, including sending him suggestive emails. Opacic then had an assistant drag the plaintiff out of history class and escort him to Opacic’s private office. There, Opacic sexually assaulted the plaintiff behind closed doors and later asked him not to tell anyone about the sexual assault.

The lawsuit alleges that SAUSD took no action…