New Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuit Alleges Archdiocese Knew of Incident

KUAM News
July 9, 2019

https://www.kuam.com/story/40757458/new-clergy-sex-abuse-lawsuit-alleges-archdiocese-knew-of-incident


Another clergy child sex abuse complaint has been filed in the District Court of Guam. It was filed by an individual identified as J.J. to protect his privacy.

J.J. who is from Saipan would visit Guam when he was a minor. The victim alleges that he was sexually molested by Capuchin priest, Father Daniel Cristobal. The priest is now deceased.

Court documents state that J.J. first met Father Cristobal in 1961 at Mount Carmel Elementary and Middle School in Saipan. During his visit the priest allegedly sexually molested him.

In 1962 J.J. came to Guam to look into attending the Territorial College. While here he attended mass at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Tamuning where the victim discovered Cristobal was presiding over the service. Cristobal is alleged to have sexually molested J.J. multiple times while he was on island.

The complaint alleges the Archdiocese of Agana was aware of Cristobal's sexual abuse but deliberately remained quiet to protect him, St. Anthony’s Church, and the Capuchins “thereby placing their loyalty above their duty to protect the minor children and their legal responsibilities,” court documents state.

J.J. is seeking a trial by jury and up to $5 million in damages. He is being represented by the Lujan and Wolff Law Firm.