Attorney Mark Geragos Calls Allegations Against Popular Teacher 'Smear Campaign By LAUSD'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles Unified School District officials claim they've uncovered new misconduct allegations in their investigation into a popular teacher, while his attorney filed a defamation suit against the district.

Rafe Esquith is a longtime and award-winning teacher at Hobart Elementary School in Koreatown who was removed from the classroom in April pending an investigation.

After his removal, many parents and students protested to have him returned to the classroom. Just two weeks ago, celebrities, parents, and students made a YouTube video saying how Esquith had helped them.

Esquith's famed attorney Mark Geragos presented a tort claim to the LAUSD in June.

The LAUSD rejected that claim as of Thursday and added in a letter: " … while it was investigating the original allegations made against him, additional serious allegations of misconduct by Mr. Esquith came to light."

The LAUSD further said that during their investigation, it uncovered "serious allegations of highly inappropriate conduct involving touching of minors before and during Mr. Esquith's time at the School District."

"In addition," the district said, "the investigation revealed multiple inappropriate photographs and videos of a sexual nature found on Mr. Esquith's school computer."

"Nothing! They didn't find anything," said Geragos when asked what was found on the computer. "This is nothing more than a smear campaign by LAUSD."

LAUSD also claims "multiple inappropriate email correspondence with students and conduct inconsistent with the Code of Conduct guidelines" were revealed during the investigation.

But Geragos said: "LAUSD is a criminal cartel that needs to be put out of business. We are gonna put them out of business."

The district says this matter is still under investigation and their main priority is the safety of students.

Geragos has filed suit on his client's behalf against the district, alleging defamation and age discrimination, among other causes of action. He is seeking Esquith's reinstatement and damages.