A child in Contra Costa County was forcibly sexually assaulted, which resulted in a pregnancy - a devastating crime that inflicts lifelong trauma. The accused, Gerard Flaherty, is a teacher, someone entrusted with the care and safety of children.

He now stands charged with the forcible sexual assault of a minor — a violent, predatory act. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office opposed his release, citing the clear danger he poses to the victim and to public safety.

Yet despite this, a judge overruled law enforcement and allowed the accused to walk free:

Without bail
Without house arrest
Without ankle or GPS monitoring

To make matters worse, the accused now resides just one mile from the child victim — placing her and the entire community in continued danger.

This is a shocking failure of our justice system. It disregards the trauma of a young survivor and puts others at risk.

We, the undersigned, demand the following:

That Gerard Flaherty be immediately returned to custody pending trial.

That the judge responsible for this decision be investigated for potential misconduct and public endangerment.

That District Attorney Diana Becton and the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors take immediate action to protect the victim, hold the system accountable, and restore public trust.

A teacher accused of this crime should never be released into a community — especially without monitoring.

Children deserve safety. Survivors deserve justice.

We urge Contra Costa County officials to act now.

Petition Targets:

District Attorney Diana Becton
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
California Commission on Judicial Performance

Every signature is a demand for accountability and protection. Sign now and stand with survivors.