Local News in Brief : Molestation Suits Settled
Two insurance companies representing Peninsula Montessori School in Rolling Hills Estates have agreed to pay a total of $1 million to settle lawsuits filed by the families of 10 preschoolers allegedly molested at the school. The settlement by Westfield Insurance Co. and American States Insurance Co. was approved earlier this month by Torrance Superior Court Judge Robert M. Mallano.
The judges denied a request by preschool owner Claudia Krikorian to stop the settlement, which she said gives credence to charges of abuse that are not true.
The preschool portion of the school was closed in December, 1984, after teaching assistant Moshen Dornyai was arrested on suspicion of molesting several children. Criminal charges were never filed against Dornyai or any other employee.
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