
A young man with a severe form of autism, Paul Gordo, stands accused of felony assault by the Monterey County DA. Paul has limited cognitive and social abilities, and the injurious acts complained of stem from a predictable autism outburst, which was not prevented by his professional caregivers at the time, and not from any intent to harm.
He has a new attorney, Tom Worthington, and a preliminary hearing at 10am January 6, 2016 and 10am Friday, January 8. The defense plans to submit evidence regarding Paul's considerable mental disability and the nature of autism generally. You can read SFASA's letter to the DA here.
Any professionals who may like to contribute and assist, preferably pro bono, would be welcome, according to the Gordo family. Any offers of support and advice may be sent to Paul's father Steve Gordo, at sgordo88@hotmail.com, and/or submitted directly to their attorney, whose email address is:
tworthington@worthingtonlaw.net.