05/07/2009

Associated Press

A former Roman Catholic church employee in Yakima is pleased that an Oregon court has dismissed a child pornography charge against him.

"It's wonderful news. I'm happy that all these issues are in the past, and it proves I told the truth," Juan Jose Gonzalez Rios, 38, of Tieton, told the Yakima Herald-Republic.

The Marion County Circuit Court in Salem, Ore., on Wednesday dismissed charges of encouraging child sex abuse.

Gonzalez was accused of viewing child pornography six years ago while studying to be a priest at the Mount Angel Seminary in Mount Angel, Ore. After about four years at the seminary, he was dismissed in February 2003 after the seminary reported the pornography allegations to Mount Angel police.

After Gonzalez returned to Yakima, Bishop Carlos Sevilla hired him for a part-time job at St. Peter Retreat Center in Cowiche, northwest of Yakima. Gonzalez subsequently became director there, until his arrest in March 2008 on a fugitive warrant charging him with viewing child pornography.

He pleaded innocent to the charges.

He has not worked for the diocese since his arrest, and said he recently has performed farm labor.

On Wednesday, the Rev. Robert Siler, Yakima diocese chief of staff, said diocesan officials were pleased for Gonzalez.

"I'm sure it was a very difficult year for Juan, and I hope he'll be able to move on with his life in a positive way," he said.

Gonzalez' attorney, J.J. Sandlin, of Zillah, said his client is considering a civil lawsuit over the allegations.

"Juan's family has paid a terrible price in stress and frustration," Sandlin said.

___

Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakima-herald.com