Students, Fresno-area school settle molestation lawsuits

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Five students who accused a former principal of molesting them have settled their lawsuits with the Fresno-area school district.

The students say former superintendent and principal of Orange Center Elementary School District Lance Clement molested them inside his office during the 2013-2014 school year. Clement fatally shot himself in June 2014, just before Fresno County sheriff's officials showed up at his doorstep with a search warrant.

Fresno attorney Jacob Rivas represents four victims he says settled Friday for $3.4 million. He says the fifth student settled her lawsuit several months ago for $2 million.

Clement was married and had two children. He led the school from 2010 until his death.

Orange Center Superintendent/Principal Terry M. Hirschfield declined to discuss the settlements Monday.