ORCUTT, Calif.- The man who failed to report an alleged sex abuse scandal at Saint Joseph High School is calling it quits. It's the latest blow to the career of Principal Joe Myers.
St. Joe's Interim Principal, Joanne Poloni, now sits where former Principal Joe Myers worked for nearly 10 years. Poloni says she can't comment on her new position nor say anything about Myers' resignation, but parents say they aren't afraid to speak up.
"He was a great teacher, he was extremely supportive and you know, he has a huge heart and even though what he did was wrong by law it was never with any intent to harm at all," says St. Joe parent, Robbin Medne.
A letter dated October 12th from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles states:
The St. Joseph High School community has been through a difficult time due to the court trial of Mr. Joseph Myers, who has been on administrative leave during those proceedings, and of former dean, Mr. John Walker. As a result of last week's trial verdict, Mr. Myers has resigned his position as principal of St. Joseph.
Earlier this month, Myers and former dean of students Walker were found guilty after failing to immediately report alleged rapes involving St. Joe female students to local law enforcement. Myers at the time of the verdict continued to defend himself.
"We were put in a very difficult position and we tried to do what was morally right, we tried to help the young lady and I guess in doing so, that put us up against the wall," Joe Myers said on October 2nd.
Neighbors tell Central Coast News Myers lives in a home in Santa Maria and says he is very private person. Central Coast News went to see if he was home, but no one answered.
"Joe Myers is a wonderful neighbor, he takes good care of his home and his family, and he's a really nice friend to have," says Nancy Newton, Myers' neighbor.
Back at the St. Joe's campus parents say the school is doing well.
"It seems to me there are adults all around the campus now, I don't know if it was like that before but it seems very well supervised," says Angie Blackburn, a parent.
Myers' and Walker's sentencing is scheduled for October 30th and both could face a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
