Concerns Raised over Church Mediation Costs

By Andrew Roberto
Guam Daily Post
August 25, 2017

https://www.postguam.com/news/local/concerns-raised-over-church-mediation-costs/article_c681c50a-8970-11e7-a62e-4befca4b220b.html

Anthony Apuron

Suspended Archbishop Anthony Apuron remains steadfast in his refusal to make a settlement in the sexual abuse allegations made against him.

On Aug. 25 in the District Court of Guam, Apuron's legal counsel, Jacqueline Terlaje, reiterated that she would not be participating in meetings on Sept. 4 and 5 in Honolulu to discuss mediation protocols with defense attorneys for alleged victims, plaintiff counsels for the Boy Scouts of America and Archdiocese of Agana, and special mediator retired Judge Michael Hogan.

Plaintiffs Walter Denton, Roy Quintanilla, Roland Sondia and Doris Concepcion – on behalf of her late son, Joseph "Sonny" Quinata – filed lawsuits against Apuron and the archdiocese. The four men alleged they were sexually abused by Apuron when they were young altar boys in the 1970s.

According to Post files, Terlaje filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuits filed against Apuron and the Archdiocese of Agana because the victims' claims are time-barred and Public Law 33-187 is "inorganic and unconstitutional."

Magistrate Judge Joaquin Manibusan of the District Court of Guam is scheduled to hear arguments on the motion to dismiss on Aug. 29.

Atttorney: $10K a day for sessions

At the status conference yesterday, Terlaje said mediation sessions with retired Judge Hogan would cost approximately $10,000 a day.

She also said it is not in her client's best interest to agree to settlement protocols. If mediation attempts are unfruitful in Hawaii, Terlaje will discuss options with Apuron for moving forward in court.

Meanwhile, Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood suggested parties enter into a global settlement that would cover all damages in the 100 or so cases of sexual abuse involving the archdiocese and Boy Scouts.

Judge on standby

Tydingco-Gatewood said she had on standby the mediation services of Judge Alex Munson, who, as a sitting judge in the District Court of the Northern Marianas, would not cost anything to hire in a proposed settlement.

However, the defense clients will wait on the outcome of the Honolulu mediation before responding to Judge Tydingco-Gatewood's offer, according to their attorney, David Lujan.

Parties have until Sept. 12 to decide if they will utilize the services of Munson.

Contact: andrew@postguam.com