Ex-Latter Day Saints bishop charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault in Alameda Co.: DA

ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- A former Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bishop has been charged and arraigned in Alameda County with multiple counts of child sexual assault, District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced on Thursday.

The D.A.'s office said the charges stem from allegations of sexual abuse involving multiple juveniles in Livermore during the 1990s and early 2000s. Michael Morris is charged with 18 felony counts of non-forcible sexual assault involving four separate victims.

The alleged offenses occurred between approximately 1991 and 2001, while he served as a bishop in Livermore and supervised a church-affiliated boys' youth group.

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"This case involves deeply troubling allegations of abuse of trust and authority involving children," Jones Dickson said in a statement. "Our office remains committed to pursuing justice for survivors of sexual abuse, regardless of how much time has passed, whenever the law permits prosecution."

The D.A.'s office said Morris remains in custody, with bail set at $920,000. His next court date is May 22.