Visiting Vatican Officials Meet with Accuser, but without Deposition
By Krystal Paco
Visiting Vatican officials are receiving testimony relative to the ongoing canonical trial against Archbishop Anthony Apuron in Rome. Among those subpoenaed is Roland Sondia, one of many men to accuse Apuron of molestation that occurred decades ago when Apuron was still a priest. Thursday's meeting with officials from the Vatican went exactly as Attorney David Lujan expected. "The gist of it is that Roland will not be represented in there and they will not allow me in there," said the lawyer. As a result, he and his client, Sondia, walked away without providing a deposition regarding his allegations against Archbishop Apuron. Rather than receive the deposition in person, Vatican officials will just have to read about it. "Our position is that Roland will not be deposed live," Lujan continued. "However, we are willing to submit a declaration, or an affidavit in writing." Here on island to investigate Apuron as part of the ongoing canonical trial in Rome are Cardinal Raymond L. Burke who will act as a presiding judge over the secret tribunal; Father James Conn who will serve as the prosecutor; and Father Justin Wachs who will perform duties similar to that of a court reporter. Lujan noted seeing another canon lawyer in the room who reportedly represents Apuron, but did not disclose his name to media. Immediately following the closed-door meeting, Lujan expressed lack of confidence - particularly in Father Conn, who previously made contact directly to his clients. In addition to Sondia, Conn made attempts to communicate with Roy Quintanilla, who resides in Hawaii and Walter Denton of Arizona. Each of the men were altar boys at Mount Carmel Parish in Agat when they were allegedly sexually molested by Apuron, who was a priest at the time. "He has no respect for the procedures and he was told by all the clients that he needs to contact, to go through their lawyers, respectively," said Lujan. "And he said he doesn't have to do it." Had Sondia provided his deposition today, only the visiting Vatican officials would be permitted in the room with him. "Honestly, I really don't believe they're going to change what they've been doing for centuries to appease me," stated Lujan. Sondia provided brief comments to the press, saying, "It's like a whirlwind. I'm overwhelmed with everything that's going on. It's like I'm just reliving it again." He added, "I'm very nervous. I'm close to these people. Just the thought of sitting in front of them, to give my testimony, it's overwhelming. I don't' know how to react." The group is scheduled to meet with other members of the community to receive testimony. Seen leaving the Chancery prior to Sondia's meeting was Deacon Steve Martinez. Martinez was a former Sexual Abuse Response Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Agana until he was removed by Apuron. Lujan further noted that documents relative to the investigation date back to 2008. He speculates the case was first opened in 2008. KUAM News has confirmed Apuron also stands accused of financial mismanagement, which may explain why citations date back nine years ago. Officials from the Vatican will be receiving testimony until Friday.
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