CHARGES DISMISSED AGAINST SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

SANTA FE, N.M. — In a closely watched case involving mandatory reporting laws and school officials, criminal charges were dismissed this week against the Santo Niño Regional Catholic School Principal and a staff member, who had been accused of failing to report suspected child abuse by a former health aide.

The State District Judge granted the dismissal following extensive arguments from the defense. Representing the defendants, veteran criminal defense attorney Dan Cron emphasized from the outset that his client had acted in good faith and in accordance with her understanding of legal obligations, based on the information available to her at the time.

“This was a tragic situation, but not every tragedy warrants criminal prosecution,” Cron said after the ruling. “My client is deeply committed to her students and community, and she did the best she could under difficult and unclear circumstances.”

The case stemmed from allegations against a former health aide at Santo Niño and Gonzales Community School, who has since been charged with molesting four minors between 2018 and 2021. In response to a 2021 incident involving the suspect, prosecutors charged four school and Archdiocese employees with failing to report suspected abuse, a misdemeanor under New Mexico law.

Cron and other defense attorneys argued that the line between poor communication and criminal misconduct had been unfairly blurred, and that their clients were being held to a retroactive standard under vague or misunderstood guidance. The judge ultimately agreed there was insufficient evidence to move forward with charges against the defendants

While the remaining two defendants still face pending charges, the dismissals mark a turning point in the case and a validation of the defense team’s methodical, fact-driven approach.

Throughout the proceedings, Cron remained measured in his public comments, focusing not on legal victory but on the broader context of community healing and the reputational toll his client had endured. “This has been an incredibly difficult period for my client,” he said. “She has dedicated her life to the well-being of children, and I hope this ruling allows her to continue doing that work with dignity restored.”

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has yet to comment publicly on the dismissals. Meanwhile, the criminal case against the suspected predator continues, with additional investigative efforts underway.

As for these 2 school officials, they walk away from the courtroom without convictions—thanks in large part to the work of defense counsel committed to ensuring fairness, clarity, and justice in the face of community outrage and legal uncertainty.