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Walnut Creek Today
By the People, for the People
Former East Bay Attorney Convicted of Sexually Abusing Three Girls
Jonathan Dean Bishop, 51, faces multiple life sentences for lewd acts and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Mar. 4, 2026 at 5:55am
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A former Walnut Creek attorney, Jonathan Dean Bishop, 51, has been convicted on 24 counts of committing lewd acts upon three girls under the age of 14 over the course of nearly a decade. Bishop was also found guilty of possessing over 600 images of child sexual abuse material depicting two of the victims. He now faces multiple life sentences in state prison.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, especially those in positions of trust and authority within the community. The conviction of Bishop, a former attorney, sends a strong message that such abuses will not be tolerated.
The details
Jonathan Dean Bishop, 51, was found guilty on Monday of 24 counts of committing lewd acts upon three victims, identified as Jane Doe #1, Jane Doe #2, and Jane Doe #3. The convictions cover the periods of June 2012 to June 2021 (Jane Doe #1), February 2012 to February 2021 (Jane Doe #2), and September 2004 to September 2014 (Jane Doe #3). Bishop was also convicted of sexually abusing Jane Doe #1 between June 5, 2010, and June 5, 2018, when she was under the age of 10. Additionally, he was found guilty of possessing more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material depicting two of the victims, which were seized by officers at Oakland International Airport on December 13, 2023, when he was taken into custody upon arriving from Florida.
- The abuse of Jane Doe #1 occurred between June 2012 and June 2021.
- The abuse of Jane Doe #2 occurred between February 2012 and February 2021.
- The abuse of Jane Doe #3 occurred between September 2004 and September 2014.
- The abuse of Jane Doe #1 when she was under the age of 10 occurred between June 5, 2010, and June 5, 2018.
- Bishop was taken into custody at Oakland International Airport on December 13, 2023, upon arriving from Florida.
The players
Jonathan Dean Bishop
A 51-year-old former Walnut Creek attorney who was convicted of sexually abusing three girls under the age of 14 over the course of nearly a decade and possessing over 600 images of child sexual abuse material.
Diana Becton
The Contra Costa County District Attorney, who stated that the bravery of the victims made this conviction possible and that her office will always stand with the most vulnerable members of the community and remain committed to holding those who harm children accountable.
What they’re saying
“The bravery shown by these victims was extraordinary, and their courage made this conviction possible. Our office will always stand with the most vulnerable members of our community and remain committed to holding those who harm children accountable.”
— Diana Becton, Contra Costa County District Attorney
What’s next
Bishop is now facing multiple life sentences in state prison for his crimes.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, especially those in positions of trust and authority within the community. The conviction of Bishop, a former attorney, sends a strong message that such abuses will not be tolerated.
