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Jury in St. Joseph High School failure to report trial begins deliberations
Posted: Oct 1, 2012 7:42 PM by Nikki Ibarra
Updated: Oct 2, 2012 5:58 AM
The jury in the trial involving the principal and former dean of students of St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria began deliberations Monday afternoon.
Joseph Myers and John Walker are charged with failure to report a "child sexual assault" case to police.
The alleged victims were students at the high school.
The defense and prosecution delivered their closing arguments Monday.
The trial began exactly two weeks ago Monday.
It all began with an emotional testimony from the victim, who is referred to as "Jane Doe #1". Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued Walker and Myers, because of their positions, are required by law, to inform police of any allegations regarding sexual assault.
Attorneys for Myers and Walker said their clients were told that the alleged assault was already reported to law enforcement before the parents of "Jane Doe #1" informed the administrators.
In court Monday, Myers' attorney, Michael Scott, told the jury his client's number one goal was to protect the victim.
Walker's attorney, Ilan Funke-Bilu, told KSBY's Nikki Ibarra last month, the charges against his client are the greatest injustice he's seen in his professional career.
KSBY reached out to District Attorney, Joyce Dudley, last week and she said she would not comment on this case until the jury makes a decision.
Principal Myers is on unpaid administrative leave from St. Joe's. Former dean, John Walker, is no longer at the school. He told KSBY back in August that it has nothing to do with this trial.
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