The court prohibited an infinite statute of limitations regarding molestation cases. Any sexual assault before the current California law passed in 1994 had a six-year statute of limitations.
Jonathan Kirrer, 24, sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County earlier this year but quickly settled the case after going public with the allegations. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Lyons is accused of twice masturbating the boy when he was between 7 and 9 years old in Lyons’ room in the parish rectory and twice in the church sacristy.
The allegations from one of the boys in the 2003 case will be used as corroborating evidence in the current case, prosecutors said.
Costa Mesa police, with assistance from district attorney investigators, arrested Lyons on Monday while he played cards at a nearby community center.
Lyons also served as a priest at St. Edwards the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point and St. Mary’s By the Sea Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.
Lyons faces four counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 with a sentencing enhancement allegation for substantial sexual conduct on a child. He faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted on all charges and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
“Molestation is a devastating crime. Even more so when it’s done by a person of authority and trust,” said Costa Mesa police Capt. Ron Smith.
“We’re concerned there could be more victims out there.”
Anyone with more information or who believes he or she might have been a victim is urged to call prosecution investigator Tim Craig at (714) 347-8558 or Costa Mesa police Det. Mike Manson at (714) 754-5360.
‘Our Community Has Waited A Long Time For Justice...’
