Man Claims Lawsuit Filed in L.A. Sex Abuse Settlement Without His Consent

LOS ANGELES — Melvin Dunlap says he doesn’t know how he became a plaintiff in the nation’s largest sex abuse settlement.

From Missouri to L.A. County Settlement

Dunlap, a resident of Missouri, says he has never been to Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls, the focus of numerous lawsuits alleging sexual assault of children in detention. He asserts he has never been abused. Despite this, he is listed as JOHN DOE M.D. In L.A. County’s $4-billion sex abuse settlement, with his lawsuit claiming he was “physically assaulted, sexually harassed and abused” by staff at a Los Angeles detention center in Boyle Heights when he was 15. “I can put my hand on a Bible and say ‘I ain’t ever been abused sexually,’” Dunlap stated, providing text messages and emails documenting his attempt to report the matter to the State Bar last July Los Angeles Times.

Downtown LA Law Group Under Scrutiny

Dunlap’s lawsuit was filed on October 15, 2024, by Downtown LA Law Group (DTLA). The firm has denied any wrongdoing, stating, “No one in the firm to our knowledge has coerced its clients or anyone else to sign anything.” Los Angeles Times. However, Dunlap’s case adds to growing questions about how DTLA acquired plaintiffs and whether some may have been unaware they were participating in the settlement. DTLA is currently under investigation by the district attorney, State Bar and the county after reports surfaced that nine clients were paid to file sex abuse claims, some of which were allegedly fraudulent. Union-Bulletin

Dunlap’s Account of Events

Dunlap, a 30-year-old fashion stylist, recounted that he was contacted by DTLA in July 2025 regarding a foot injury he sustained after being hit by a car. During a visit to the firm’s downtown office, he was allegedly presented with three packets of documents to sign without explanation. Upon reviewing the papers, he discovered they related to a juvenile case in California, despite him being from Missouri and having no prior involvement with the California juvenile justice system. Los Angeles Times

He claims he repeatedly refused to sign, stating, “I don’t desire to be part of this — take me off the case,” but was told “it’s more complicated than that.” Los Angeles Times. After the county agreed to the $4-billion settlement in April 2025, plaintiffs were required to sign agreements opting into the settlement and providing details of the alleged abuse. Los Angeles Times

Previous Interactions with DTLA

Court records reveal Dunlap had previously used DTLA for other legal matters, including a slip-and-fall incident in 2021 and the recent foot injury case. Los Angeles Times

Firm’s Response and Ongoing Vetting

DTLA sent Dunlap a photo of a retainer agreement dated September 29, 2024, with a signature purportedly his, but Dunlap denies signing it. The firm maintains it uses “electronic processes to verify signatures.” Los Angeles Times. Despite Morrow’s promise to dismiss the lawsuit, it remained active as of March 23, leaving Dunlap still listed as a participant in the $4-billion settlement. Los Angeles Times

Former presiding Superior Court Judge Daniel Buckley is currently vetting cases in the settlement, and the L.A. County district attorney’s office has requested a six-month delay in payments to further investigate potentially fraudulent claims. Los Angeles Times

Dunlap states he has no interest in any payout and wants his name removed from the lawsuit, believing the funds should travel to genuine victims. Los Angeles Times