HAYWARD (CA)
The Argus
By Josh Richman, STAFF WRITER
HAYWARD — Jurors began hearing evidence Monday on whether the Diocese of Oakland's failure to protect two Antioch brothers from a pedophile priest was knowing disregard for their safety or ignorance and neglect.
Nobody disputes that Bob and Tom Thatcher, now in their 30s, were molested in 1980 by Robert Ponciroli, since defrocked and now living in Florida. This jury must decide whether the diocese let it happen and, if so, how much it should pay.
This is the first of dozens of lawsuits against the Diocese of Oakland, encompassing Alameda and Contra Costa counties, to come to trial; negotiations on a mass settlement continue elsewhere.
"In this case, you're going to learn about the betrayal of trust," Rick Simons, the Thatchers' attorney, told jurors as he began his opening statement.
He showed jurors color photos of Bob and Tom Thatcher as they were at the time they were molested: fresh-faced young altar boys, ages 10 and 8, respectively.