Homepage > Honolulu News

Maui Deacon Accused Of Molesting Boy Bails Out

Suspect Ordered To Stay Away From St. Ann Church

POSTED: 11:46 am HST August 1, 2005
UPDATED: 11:04 am HST August 2, 2005

A Maui judge Monday reduced the bail amount for a Roman Catholic church deacon charged with sexually assaulting a boy.

Circuit Judge Shackley Raffetto Monday decreased the bail for James "Ron" Gonsalves to $100,000, down from $790,000.

The judge also imposed several conditions if Gonsalves is released on bail. Gonsalves would be required to stay within his home except when he is authorized to visit his attorney's office. He was also ordered to stay away from minors and one mile away from St. Ann Church, which he administered until June 22, when he was placed on administrative leave.

"He has tremendous support in the community as evidenced by many members of the congregation of St. Ann's here today, who love and care for him," defense attorney Philip Lowenthal said in court.

Gonsalves pleaded not guilty last week to 62 counts of first- and third-degree sexual assault. He's accused of sexually assaulting the boy for three years starting when the child was 12 years old.

The most recent count allegedly happened in June.

"So this is a very recent allegation. It's not something that happened way in the past. So, that demonstrates that this defendant continues to be a danger to the children, especially to the young victim in this case," prosecutor

Gonsalves is being held at the Maui Community Correctional Center. His trial is scheduled for Sept. 26.

Last week, Judge Joel August announced he would recuse himself from the case. August and Lowenthal, one of the state's noted defense attorneys, shared a Wailuku law practice for more than 20 years until August was selected as a judge in 2002.


Links We Like

Having trouble selling your home? These tips will make your property a hot commodity. More

Sitting at a desk all day is a one way ticket to poor fitness. Find out how you can work to stay in shape regardless of your work situation. More

Feeling bloated or uncomfortable after eating? Try these five recipes and find out why they are so good for digestion. More

What's Up Hawaii

Consumer Info


Sponsored Content Provided by ARA