Accused Sex Offenders Out on Bail With Court Imposed Restrictions

SANTA BARBARA – January 19

Superior Court Judge Eskin

Dr. Andrew Bourne, 48, and Joseph Walker, 46, accused of unlawful contact with a child with intent to commit a sexual crime and lewd act upon a child, were granted a bail reduction by Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Eskin, and are now both out of custody on $750,000 bond each.  Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges of illicit contact with a local 16-year-old female.

Ventura County DA Ron Bamieh

The terms of their release imposed by Judge Eskin require both men to have no contact with one another absent their attorneys of record, as well as to have no contact with the alleged victim or any other minors.  Bourne’s high-profile attorney, former candidate for the office of Ventura County District Attorney Ron Bamieh, was pleased at the reduced bail amount, and had initially responded to the imposition of $1 millon bail as “an extraordinarily high bail.”  Bamieh further reported to the media that the terms of the defendants’ release include orders to remain in either Mammoth Lakes or Ventura County pending court appearances in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara District Attorney Joyce Dudley, a well-known and vocal prosecutor of sex crimes, indicated in comments to the press on the day of their release that her office’s investigation is continuing “and while we may indeed file additional charges, I cannot discuss what those may be at this time.”  The case is currently assigned to Deputy District Attorney Mary Barron, who echoed her boss’ comments.

Santa Barbara DA Joyce Dudley

Both men have returned to their homes in the Mammoth Lakes area, where Dr. Bourne’s surgical contract with Mammoth Hospital has been terminated, according to hospital spokeswoman Lori Ciccarrelli in comments to the press “because he cannot fulfill its terms at this time.”  Bourne has also reportedly resigned from his seat on the Mammoth School Board pending disposition of the Santa Barbara case.

Photos: courtesy Santa Barbara Superior Court, Santa Barbara County District Attorney, Bamieh & Erickson

Read more:

Sierra Wave: Bourne bails, attorney comments

Santa Barbara Independent: Judge Orders Communication Restrictions for Mammoth Lakes Men

CrimeVoice: Alleged “Out of Towner” Sex Predators Fight $1,000,000 Bail