Los Gatos Man Charged With Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Crimes

Los Gatos resident Steven Joseph Joyner, 44, who worked as a Santa Clara County forensic toxicologist, has been charged with 18 felony counts of child sexual abuse crimes by the California Attorney General's Office.

Joyner, who's in jail without bail, was charged with the crimes Feb. 8 and was arrested due to allegations that on or between Sept. 30, 2003 and Sept. 29, 2004, he committed the crime of lewd or lascivious act on a child under the age of 14, namely a 5-year-old.

It's also alleged that on or about Sept. 30, 2006 and Sept. 29, 2009, he committed the crime of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years of age or younger, namely a child between the ages of 8-10, according to the felony complaint.

Joyner is accussed of having committed the same crime between Sept. 30, 2011 and Sept. 29, 2012 with a child under the age of 14, namely 13, the complaint stated.

The other 15 felony counts he faces are for the crime of lewd or lascivious acts on children as young as 8 and as old at 13 between 2006 and 2012, the complaint said.

Joyner's attorney, Ron E. Rayes, out of San Mateo, said his client has pled not guilty to the charges and intends to vigorously defend himself against the allegations. He's scheduled to appear in court March 27.

Margaret Caldwell, chief operating officer and director of field services for the Boy Scouts of America, Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council D, confirmed Joyner worked as a merit badge counselor for the organization.

Caldwell said he was removed immediately from his duties about three weeks ago, two days after he got arrested. All families that had children in his troop have been notified. The troop is not in Los Gatos, she said.

"Our youth protection program is very extensive. We run criminal records and personal background checks on all our future leaders, or anybody applying to be a leader," Caldwell stated. "All adults have to go through our youth protection training program every two years."

Asked how she felt about a member of the local BSA Council being charged with the crimes, she responded: "Certainly we're disappointed that a crime like this happened to any child, in or out of our program. It's very disheartening and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families."

To see the entire criminal complaint for Joyner, please see attached PDF.