Judge Upholds Ruling Against Youth Service Agency Official

A state administrative law judge has upheld an order barring an official of Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services from working for the West Hollywood-based youth agency or similar licensed facilities.

While discounting one set of allegations against finance director Bernard La Fianza Jr.--that he had sex on several occasions with a teenager who later ran away from the facility--Judge Vincent Nafarrete found that La Fianza had engaged “in inappropriate and sexual conduct with several children” living in the agency’s group homes.

That conduct included kissing, caressing and letting some youngsters sit in his lap, according to the judge’s order.

La Fianza’s attorney, his brother Richard La Fianza, said they would appeal the ruling but were heartened that “the most serious offense alleged was found not to be credible.” He added that he was “amazed” by the judge’s other findings, which he maintained involved conduct that either did not occur or was not sexual in nature.

The original order against La Fianza was filed by the state Social Services Department as part of a broader accusation against the agency resolved earlier this summer by a settlement placing the organization on probation and mandating various changes in its day-to-day oversight. Henderson Slaughter, another employee named in the accusation, also settled with the state, agreeing not to work for the agency or other agencies licensed by the department.