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	Deacon Admits Guilt in Sex Assault KGMB [Hawaii] May 18, 2006 http://kgmb9.com/kgmb/display.cfm?storyID=8227 The leader of a Maui Catholic church admitted in court he sexually abused a boy for three years. But the deal struck with prosecutors may only send the deacon to prison for a year. Deacon James Gonsalves pleaded guilty to 30 counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of attempted first-degree sexual assault and 30 counts of third-degree sexual assault. But under a plea agreement, the 69-year-old would only spend a year in prison, three months under house arrest and 20 years on probation. The victim, who remains unnamed, says the abuse started in 2002 when he was 12 years old and occurred nearly every day for three years. The assaults happened at St. Ann Church in Waihee and at Gonsalves' home. Until now the deacon has claimed innocence. When the allegations surfaced, Gonsalves had the full support of his parish. We spoke with both lawyers this afternoon. Neither would go into detail about the plea bargain. Gonsalves is free on $100,000 bail, but he's confined to his home. The plea agreement he struck is expected to be okayed by the judge at his sentencing July 20. Related Stories: • Indictment against Deacon Unsealed • Judge Reduces Bail for Deacon • Judge Recuses from Deacon Trial • Deacon Charged With Sexual Assault
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