SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A jury needed little time to find the two St. Joseph High School administrators guilty. The teaching careers of St. Joseph High School principal Joe Myers and former dean of students John Walker are uncertain after both have been found guilty of failing to immediately report alleged rapes involving St.. Joe female students to local law enforcement.
The jury in this misdemeanor trial needed less than a day of deliberations to find Joe Myers and John Walker guilty of failing to obey the mandatory reporting law to protect children.
As attorneys and the people that packed the courtroom gallery poured into the hallway after the verdict... John walker said he was too upset to comment on camera about the verdict... But he told me off camera he's absolutely certain he did the right thing and in his words saved a young girl's life principal Joe Myers.. Who up until now has not commented on the case... Spoke outside court about his total disappointment in the verdict.
He too also defended his decision and actions saying he has always done what was morally right during his career.
"I respect the opinion of the court, I respect the way this trial was conducted, I appreciate the support of so many people.... But the fact the matter is that we were put in a very difficult position and we try to do what was morally right, we tried to help a young lady, and in doing so that put us up against the wall." Said Joe Myers.
But Anne Nudson, Deputy District Attorney disagrees with Myers and Walker,
"I think that the law is there for a reason, and that reason is to protect children, so if people are following the letter of that law then children are being protecting then there wouldn't be an issue, but in this case the found that they didn't follow the law."
Joe Myers says he's also embarrassed for his school... St. Joseph High School... And for having its name associated with this trial.
Both Myers and Walker will return to court at the end of the month for sentencing... They face a maximum sentence of six months in county jail and a one thousand dollar fine.. And a minimum of probation.
As for what happens next to Principal Myers and John Walker and their careers.
Principal Myers has been on paid administrative leave during the trial... Whether or not he's allowed to return to his job at St. Joseph High School will be up to his employer. The Catholic archdiocese of Los Angeles.
John walker was terminated from his position as dean of students, teacher and coach at the end of the last school year... And remains unemployed.
The father of Jane Doe 1 did issued a statement after the verdict:
"Two men were convicted today for morally doing the right thing. They were unable to defend themselves fairly, due to the limitations of the court hearings.
The prosecutor and DA investigator did not present evidence in a fair and truthful way regarding our previous reporting of this crime to law enforcement, prior to ANY initial contact with St. Joseph High School.
We hope that future victims are not re-victimized and used as power point presentations for political or career climbing opportunities, as our daughter was.
ALL parents are now left without two heroes who dedicated their lives to protecting and educating this community's children.
It is a sad day on the Central Coast."
