No. I certainly would've found him guilt of misdemeanor assault and battery. From my reading of the California penal code, I can't find what establishes the difference between felony and misdemeanor assault. As for elder abuse, I guess I'd have to know more about the case.
But if the question is simply would I acquit someone because they were allegedly molested (not saying he wasn't, but that's not what the case is or should be about), then no, I would not. The law is the law. If you want to allow people to beat up priests who have molested them, then put such an exception into the law.
A number of offenses in California criminal law are "wobblers" where the fact situation can be used for either offense.
It is typical of prosecutors in California to charge the felony, and agree to plea to the misdemeanor.
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