Educators Charged For Not Reporting Sexual Abuse

Charges have been filed against two St. Joseph High School educators for failing to report suspected child sex abuse. Principal Joseph Myers and Dean of Students John Walker, the District Attorney’s Office alleges, were notified by a 16-year-old student and her parents of a sexual assault committed on her and two other students, both minors. Because of Myers and Walker’s positions at the Santa Maria school, they’re considered “mandated reporters” by law. Charges have already been filed against the suspected abusers, and their cases are pending. If convicted, Myers and Walker each face a maximum of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.