Longtime CNN producer accused of 'despicable acts' with children hit with new lawsuit

John Griffin, the longtime CNN producer fired last month after he was charged with federal child trafficking, has been named in a Connecticut civil lawsuit alleging "despicable acts" of "horrific sexual abuse" and exploitation.

"For several years prior to 2020, the defendant solicited young girls, including the minor plaintiff, for the purpose of knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing and coercing them to engage in sexual activity, sexual exploitation, and/or sexual trafficking," the lawsuit, filed last week in Bridgeport, alleges.

Griffin has pleaded not guilty to the charges.