Accused clergy member teaches at Simon Sanchez High School

By Haidee V Eugenio
Pacific Daily News
August 14, 2017

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2017/08/14/accused-clergy-member-teaches-simon-sanchez-high-school/563891001/

Simon Sanchez High School's website lists Vernon Kamiaz as a science teacher. Kamiaz is the latest defendant named in a clergy sexual abuse of a minor, who alleged that the Capuchin brother grabbed the boy's private parts purportedly to teach him sex moves for his girlfriend. The Guam Department of Education says personnel rules and policies are under review to deal with Kamiaz's issue.

Until the Guam Department of Education's legal counsel is done researching personnel policies and rules, a science teacher who is named in the latest clergy sexual abuse lawsuit will continue his job at Simon Sanchez High School, an education official said.

Vernon T. Kamiaz has been accused of sexually abusing a minor, identified in local court documents only as E.M., who was taking confirmation classes between 1989 and 1990.

Kamiaz is a science teacher Sanchez High. Thursday is the opening of classes for public schools.

Kamiaz could not be reached for comment and did not respond to a message last week to his Facebook account, asking for comment.

"Mr. Kamiaz is still currently employed with DOE," said Erika Cruz, GDOE deputy superintendent of educational support and community learning.

Cruz said there are due process rights that Guam DOE addresses with all employees.

"This is a civil case which will require further research on our policies and Personnel Rules and Regulations by our legal counsel," Cruz said.

E.M. is the 97th person to file a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit in local or federal court involving the Archdiocese of Agana, a religious order, and other entities.

The lawsuit filed by E.M., represented by attorney Anthony C. Perez, identified Kamiaz as a Capuchin brother. The complaint alleges that Kamiaz sexually abused E.M. by grabbing his private parts, purportedly to teach the boy how to have sex with his girlfriend.

Named defendants in E.M.'s lawsuits filed in the Superior Court of Guam besides Kamiaz are the Archdiocese of Agana, the Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order also known as the Capuchin Franciscans, and the Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order Inc.