New lawsuit filed against church naming Brouillard yet again

By Jolene Toves
Pacific News Center
August 21, 2017

http://pacificnewscenter.com/new-lawsuit-filed-against-church-naming-brouillard-yet-again/

Guam – Over 90 sexual abuse lawsuits have been filed against the Archdiocese of Guam and its agents, last Friday, another suit was filed seeking $10 million in punitive damages against retired Catholic priest Louis Broulliard.

Retired priest Louis Broulliard has been named as the perpetrator in a majority of the sex abuse cases filed against the Archdiocese. Last Friday, another alleged victim identified as V.Q. came forward sharing his recollections of sexual abuse that occurred at the hands of Louis Broulliard when V.Q. was just 14 years old. Broulliard served as a priest on Guam for over four decades, holding many positions within the church as well as serving as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

According to court documents, V.Q. joined the Mongmong Troop 18 Boy Scouts in 1977, when Broulliard was scoutmaster. As part of the requirements, the boy scouts met several times a week at the Mongmong parish to study the Scout Oaths, Laws and practice marching, drills and map reading. The Boy Scouts of America also encouraged their scouts to be faithful in their religious duties and as a result V.Q.’s participation revolved around the church in order to fulfill the Scout oath and laws.

It was during this time that V.Q. alleges being sexually molested and abuse by Broulliard on numerous occasions.  Court documents state that weekly outings with Broulliard included swimming at the Lonfit River in Ordot, under the guise of competing for swimming badges. During these Boy Scout activities, its alleged that Broulliard would swim naked and instructed V.Q. and other boys to remove their clothing before groping and touching their private parts and in V.Q.’s case masturbating.

According to court documents, Broulliard had been committing acts of sexual molestation as a Boy Scout leader for approximately two decades before he turned his sights on V.Q. It is further alleged, that what Broulliard was doing was well known for years and that Bishop Apollinaris Baumgartner, Archbishop Anthony Apuron, Monsignor Zoilo Camacho and now deceased Father Antonio Cruz were all aware and deliberately remained quiet.

As a matter of fact, Broulliard in a confession wrote, “While in Guam my actions were discussed and confessed to area priests as well as Bishop Apollinaris Baumgartner who had approached me to talk about the situation. I was told to try to do better and say prayers as a penance. I believe the Catholic Church should be honest and truthful regarding what happened on Guam during my time there.”

It is alleged that despite the sexual abuse spanning over a period of several decades neither the Boy Scouts of America, the Archdiocese of Agana or the Roman Catholic Church have ever formally disciplined Broulliard. In fact, according to court documents, the Archdiocese continues to pay a retirement stipend to Broulliard.

V.Q. is seeking $10 million in exemplary and punitive damages.