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Accusers File Lawsuit against Archbishop and Archdiocese

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
July 1, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32352329/2016/07/01/accusers-file-lawsuit-against-archbishop-and-archdiocese

[with video]



It's a last resort to get the truth: four of Archbishop Anthony Apuron's accusers are taking him to court. As of Friday morning, the alleged victims filed a libel and slander lawsuit against not only Apuron, but the Archdiocese of Agana.

He wouldn't confess to his alleged sins at church, so Archbishop Apuron's accusers are taking him to court. "Instead of just conducting an honest, transparent investigation, they called every single survivor a liar," announced Walter Denton before island media at the Guam Territorial Law Library. Instead of using church resources to reach out and help victims, they called us liars. They have avoided and shunned us. They did it 40 years ago, and they are doing it again." Denton, an alleged survivor of abuse, led Friday's press conference to detail the elements of the libel and slander lawsuit, which was filed this morning at the Superior Court of Guam and demands a for a jury trial.

All four plaintiffs - Denton, Roy Quintanilla, Roland Sondia, and Doris Concepcion on behalf of her late son Joseph "Sonny" Quinata - are represented by Attorney David Lujan. All of the victims were altar boys at Mount Carmel Parish in Agat when they were allegedly raped or molested by Apuron, who was a priest at the time.

In response, the Archdiocese of Agana fired back - through video statements and press releases - maintaining Apuron's innocence and calling the alleged victims liars whose intent is a malicious attack on the archbishop and the church. "These statements continue to represent the position of the Agana archdiocese through today," continued Denton.

The Vatican then placed Apuron on leave and appointed apostolic administrator Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai to cater to the Agana archdiocese. According to the alleged victims, church leadership continues to fail them. Although Archbishop Hon had rescinded decrees previously issued by Apuron, he didn't detract Apuron's slanderous statements towards the victims. "Apostolic administrator Archbishop Hon has not attempted to meet with us or to reach out to us," said Denton.

Although they clarify they continue to seek only the truth and that Apuron resign as the head of the local archdiocese, the lawsuit details a requested relief of $500,000 per plaintiff, should the jury rule in their favor. "We did this because we want the truth to be public and to defend our honor and integrity," Denton noted. "We want Anthony Apuron, the Agana archdiocese, and all those involved to take responsibility for their actions."

 

 

 

 

 




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