July 31, 2005

Bail hearing delayed in sex abuse case

HAWAII
Maui News

WAILUKU – A Maui Catholic deacon charged with sexually abusing a boy had his bail hearing delayed after 2nd Circuit Judge Joel August recused himself Friday from handling further proceedings in the case.

Ron Gonsalves, who was placed on leave last month from his position as administrator of St. Ann Church parish in Waihee, was being held in lieu of $790,000 bail.

The 68-year-old Wailuku resident is charged with 62 counts alleging he sexually abused the boy during a three-year period beginning when the boy was 12 and ending last month. Police said the sexual assaults allegedly occurred at Gonsalves’ home and at the church.

The charges include 32 counts of first-degree sexual assault, alleging sexual penetration, and 30 counts of third-degree sexual assault, alleging sexual contact. A Sept. 26 trial date has been set.

Gonsalves, who was being held at the Maui Community Correctional Center, is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing Monday morning before 2nd Circuit Judge Shackley Raffetto.

In court Friday, August said he was recusing himself because of information he had learned but did not give details.

Posted by kshaw at July 31, 2005 08:52 AM