WAILUKU (HI)
The Maui News
By MELISSA TANJI, Staff Writer
WAILUKU – A Maui Catholic Church deacon on Wednesday pleaded guilty "because it’s true" to 62 counts of sexual assault involving a 12-year-old boy.
Ron Gonsalves, 69, entered the guilty plea to 30 counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of attempted first-degree sexual assault and 30 counts of third-degree sexual assault. The incidents occurred over three years, beginning when the victim was 12, at the victim’s home and at St. Ann Church in Waihee, where Gonsalves served as administrator.
In accepting the plea, 2nd Circuit Judge Shackley Raffetto asked Gonsalves, "Why are you pleading guilty?"
"Because it’s true," Gonsalves replied.