The principal of St. Joseph High School Joseph Myers and the former Dean of Students John Walker have been charged by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's office with failing to immediately report an alleged sexual assault involving students off-campus to local law enforcement.
California law requires school administrators to report any suspected or alleged sexual abuse or assault to law enforcement without hesitation or delay.
The DA's office says Myers and Walker knew of but failed to report the alleged sexual assault involving an underage girl and St. Joseph High student and at least two other boys who were St. Joe students at a private residence.
Myers has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the DA's case, Walker has left the school under unclear circumstances although sources tell Central Coast news he was terminated at the end of the school year.
News that both men have been charged by the District Attorney's office came as a surprise to many we found on campus who expressed complete support for Principal Myers and former Dean of Students Walker.
These are the quiet weeks of summer recess on the St. Joseph High School campus.
Most activity is mid-summer workouts and scrimmages by student-athletes.
Still there's been widespread surprise and disbelief expressed by many on campus to the news that Principal Myers and former Dean of Students Walker have been charged for failing to immediately report alleged sexual abuse between students.
"Its sad they have to possibly get fired just because of that", says St. Joseph senior Allanah Robb.
"I haven't had any bad experiences with them", adds St. Joseph High parent and Booster Club member Eileen Edens.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's office has reveal very few details about the case, including when the alleged sexual assault took place, except to point out that it happened between students and that it was off-campus.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which has ultimate administrative authority for St. Joseph High School, issued a statement Thursday saying it had only Just learned about the charges against Myers and Walker.
The Archdiocese says its policy is "full adherence to California State mandated reporting laws in all of its schools" and adds Principal Myers has been placed on administrative leave pending the resolution of the matter. The statement makes no mention of the specific nature of Walker's departure from the school.
St. Joe parents and supporters we spoke with, most of whom declined to speak on camera, say Myers and Walker have been unfairly accused, they say both men have high professional standards and have always made St. Joe student safety and welfare a top priority.
"I can't imagine him (Myers) knowing something and not divulging it and trying to protect a child", Edens adds.
The District Attorney's office says charges have been filed against the minors involved in the alleged sexual assault.
The names of all of the students involved in the case have not been released.
Statement from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles became aware today of the charges against St. Joseph High School principal Joseph Myers and former dean of students, John Walker.
Archdiocesan policy requires full adherence to California State mandated reporting laws in all schools within the Archdiocese.
Mr. Myers has been placed on administrative leave pending the resolution of this matter.
