SETTLEMENT RECOMMENDED THOUGH EVIDENCE SKETCHY.

Byline: Troy Anderson Staff Writer

A 20-year-old woman who said she was sexually assaulted by a detention officer at Central Juvenile Hall should receive a $321,520 settlement, despite a lack of evidence to file criminal charges, the county Claims Board recommended Monday.

In a case that originally sought $1.7 million, county officials already have spent about $367,000 on legal fees and other costs, so the board recommended settling.

While the detention services officer adamantly denies assaulting the unidentified woman, a nurse at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center who examined her concluded that she had injuries consistent with a sexual assault, according to a report written by Assistant County Counsel Roger Granbo.

``Although our medical expert testified at deposition that the injury was also consistent with other conditions unrelated to sexual abuse, a jury may sympathize with (the woman) and return a verdict in her favor,'' Granbo wrote.

But an LAPD detective found that there was insufficient evidence and, because of inconsistent statements the victim made, did not find her credible. Prosecutors also found that there was insufficient evidence to file charges, and the Probation Department's internal investigation determined that the allegations were unfounded.

The Board of Supervisors will vote Dec. 20 whether to give final approval to the settlement.

In another case Monday, the claims board recommended a $100,000 settlement for Claudia Prada, who was sunbathing near the lifeguard tower at Hermosa Beach when a lifeguard truck allegedly drove over her right hip, officials said.

Troy Anderson, [phone]

troy.anderson(at)dailynews.com