Former Walnut Creek Attorney Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse

Jury finds Jonathan Dean Bishop guilty on 24 counts of lewd acts and possessing hundreds of abusive images

Mar. 4, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A former real estate attorney in Walnut Creek, California has been convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse and possession of child sexual abuse material. Jonathan Dean Bishop, 51, was found guilty by a jury of 24 counts of committing lewd acts on three minors under the age of 14 over nearly two decades, as well as sexually abusing one victim who was under 10 years old at the time. Investigators also uncovered over 600 images of child sexual abuse material depicting two of the victims on a hard drive seized from Bishop when he was arrested at Oakland International Airport in 2023.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of child sexual abuse and the need for strong law enforcement efforts and prosecution to hold perpetrators accountable. The conviction of a prominent local attorney for such heinous crimes against children is a significant development that will likely have a lasting impact on the Walnut Creek community.

The details

According to court documents, the abuse occurred between 2004 and 2021, with the victims identified as Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and Jane Doe 3. Bishop was convicted of sexually abusing Jane Doe 1, who was under 10 years old at the time, between June 2010 and June 2018. Investigators also found over 600 images of child sexual abuse material depicting two of the victims on a hard drive seized from Bishop when he was arrested at Oakland International Airport in 2023 after arriving from Florida, where he had been living.

  • The abuse occurred between 2004 and 2021.
  • Bishop sexually abused Jane Doe 1, who was under 10 years old, between June 2010 and June 2018.
  • Bishop was arrested at Oakland International Airport on December 13, 2023 after arriving from Florida, where he had been living.

The players

Jonathan Dean Bishop

A 51-year-old former real estate attorney in Walnut Creek, California who was convicted of 24 counts of committing lewd acts on three minors under the age of 14 and possessing over 600 images of child sexual abuse material.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton

The district attorney who praised the victims' bravery and credited law enforcement and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their critical forensic and investigative efforts in the case.

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What they’re saying

“Their forensic and investigative efforts were critical to this case. Our office will always stand with the most vulnerable members of our community and remain committed to holding those who harm children accountable.”

— Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton

What’s next

The judge will determine Bishop's sentence, which could include multiple life sentences given the severity of the crimes.

The takeaway

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat of child sexual abuse and the importance of robust law enforcement efforts and strong prosecution to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.