BishopAccountability.org
 
  Ochoa Case Timeline
Previous Stories by Press Democrat Staff

The Press Democrat [Santa Rosa CA]
August 11, 2006

http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060811/NEWS/60811011/1033/NEWS01

In June, 10 felony sex abuse charges were filed against Rev. Xavier Ochoa, a Sonoma priest who authorities believe has fled the country. Since then, a number of victims have come forward with their stories, urging the prosecution not only of Ochoa, but also of several church officials who learned of the abuse and delayed in reporting it.

At the center of the controversy is Santa Rosa Bishop Daniel Walsh said it didn't occur to him to immediately report to police that priest Xavier Ochoa had admitted sexual misconduct with young boys, as required by law. Walsh has told The Press Democrat that his first concern was to remove Ochoa from any contact with children and said he was not focused on making a report. Victims say that delay may have allowed Ochoa time to leave the country before being arrested.

Follow the story of Ochoa, the Diocese and Bishop Walsh as reported by The Press Democrat:

May 24, 2006: Diocese: No evidence of abuse

June 22, 2006: Parishioners stunned by accusations

June 23, 2006: Arrest warrant issued

June 23, 2006: Abuse charges against Ochoa

June 23, 2006: Why did the church wait to report?

June 25, 2006: Bishop defends response

July 1, 2006: What Ochoa left behind tells story

July 1, 2006: Fugitive priest still out of reach

July 4, 2006: Group criticizes Bishop's response

July 6, 2006: Abuse victims speak out

July 7, 2006: DA urged to investigate SR Diocese

July 9, 2006: Letters indicate troubling Ochoa behavior

July 14, 2006: Diocese under criminal review

July 21, 2006: SR Bishop kept abuse case secret

July 27, 2006: Feds issue warrant for Ochoa

July 28, 2006: Documents detail abuse allegations

July 28, 2006: Bishop defends delay in reporting sexual misconduct

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.