Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 11/20/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

BISHOP WALSH ELIGIBLE FOR COUNSELING DIVERSION PROGRAM IN MANDATED REPORTING LAW VIOLATION

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that Daniel Walsh will have an opportunity to participate in the pre-filing counseling diversion program in lieu of criminal charges being filed for a mandated reporting violation. Walsh is the Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa. District Attorney Passalacqua stated, "Bishop Walsh admitted wrong-doing, has no prior record, and is eligible to enroll in this program."

The District Attorney’s Office completed its review of Sheriff reports, including numerous supplemental reports concerning the alleged mandated reporting violations that occurred earlier this year. The requested follow up investigation included interviews with members of the Diocese of Santa Rosa.

Passalacqua further stated, "The intent of the mandated reporting law is to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, our children. It is clear that Bishop Walsh should have known of his obligations to immediately report the matter involving Francisco Ochoa." The Diocese of Santa Rosa receives training and even previously established their own protocol on the mandated reporting law.

In Sonoma County, first time misdemeanor offenders are referred to the Adult Diversion Services program, which is run by the California Human Development Corporation. If Walsh successfully completes the four month counseling diversion program, no formal criminal charge will be filed.