By Khalida Sarwari
A Santa Clara County Superior Court judge held a man for trial today for the beating of a Jesuit priest in Los Gatos last year over allegations of past sexual abuse.
William Lynch, 44, is charged with one count of felony assault with the intent to cause great bodily injury in connection with the beating of Jerold Lindner, 65, at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center on May 10, 2010, prosecutor Vicki Gemetti said.
Lynch claims that Lindner molested him when he was a child.
Judge David Cena denied a request made by Lynch’s attorney Pat Harris to reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. Harris had argued that Linder’s injuries were moderate and did not warrant a felony charge.
Following this morning’s ruling, defense attorney Mark Geragos, who filled in for Harris today, told reporters he is pleased that the case is moving toward trial and looks forward to seeing Lindner testify.
“I think the truth will come out,” Geragos said. “I don’t think this guy will ever take the stand. I don’t think he’s got the guts. He’s a coward. He’s just retreated into this church-sponsored anonymity…and we plan on putting an end to that.”
If convicted, Lynch could face up to four years in prison.
The ruling was made after a one-day preliminary hearing that began Wednesday and included testimony from three witnesses.
Cena scheduled Lynch for an arraignment on Feb. 22.