Fifth Person Steps Forward, Accusing Archbishop of Molestation

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
June 15, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32223964/2016/06/15/fifth-person-steps-forward-accusing-archbishop-of-molestation

[with video]

Roland Sondia was only 15 years old when he had an unforgettable encounter with then-Father Anthony Apuron. Like the other alleged victims, Sondia was an altar boy at Mount Carmel Church. That brings the count of Apuron's accusers up to five to date. A press conference was held earlier today at the steps of the Agana Cathedral Pastoral Center detailing the graphic events.

It's enough pain to bring a grown man to tears. Like the others, Sondia was an altar boy in Agat when he alleges he was molested by Apuron. That summer night in 1977, the boys were sleeping on the rectory living room floor. In the middle of the night, Apuron came to Sondia asking for help, as he recalled, "I didn't think anything of the situation because we were there to help the priest.


"He then started to say that of all the altar boys, that I was the only one that he could trust. And I was the only one he could rely on the most."

In the bedroom alone, Apuron allegedly asked Sondia, then a teen, for sex. "He put his right arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer and asked, 'Do you want to try me?'. Before I could do anything he started rubbing my privates. I loudly asked him, 'What are you doing?' I told him to stop, but he didn't."

Sondia was able to break free and cried all the way home. "I was in shock. I was confused. Offended. Humiliated. And disappointed that the man I looked up to had just asked me if I wanted to have sex with him," he shared. "I know there are other boys who were victims of this man. I hope and pray that they also will come forward."

While decades have passed, Sondia's wife Frances says today marks the first day of healing for her husband. "I wish that the archdiocese would take this seriously. To take Roy [Quintanilla], Walter [Denton], Doris [Concepcion], and my husband seriously. And I pray that the others will come out," she announced.

Apuron has denied all allegations of molestation and rape. While the Vatican has placed Apuron on leave, they have appointed apostolic administrator Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai to take care of the local archdiocese.

According to Sondia's attorney, David Lujan, they're not confident in the interim archbishop, who has yet to address any of the alleged victims. "In my opinion," Lujan said, "Archbishop Hon is simply here on vacation."

Lujan says two more alleged victims are anticipated to come forward to publicly accuse Apuron.

Archbishop Hon issued the following statement after this morning's press conference: "The Archdiocese of Agana is taking into serious consideration the allegations presented to the public this morning, will take the necessary steps to present the matter to the holy see, which has the final authority in cases related to bishops. In the meantime, I am earnestly praying for all those concerned in this matter, without prejudice to both the alleged victim and the accused and ask for the prayers and support of the entire church community."