GUAM
KUAM
Updated: Aug 07, 2017
By Krystal Paco
Defense Attorney David Lujan has never been one to mince words, and he only needed one to describe what he thinks is happening with mediation in the child sex abuse cases against local clergy. And that word is “scam”.
Loud and clear – Lujan blasted the Archdiocese of Agana and Archbishop Anthony Apuron in federal court on Monday. “Of course it’s a scam,” he professed. When asked the why he elected to proceed with mediation if you believe its a scam, he replied, “Because mediation is non-binding, either.”
In court today, attorney Lujan alleged the plaintiffs and the court are being “played by the Church and Apuron.” Lujan questioned their motive to rush resolution and further alleged there’s a deal to ensure Apuron stay a priest and remain on Church payroll.
“But ask yourself, do you think that Apuron, who has a chance of coming back wants to bankrupt this archdiocese? Ask yourself that,” he said.
Apuron’s attorney Jacque Terlaje fired back, calling Lujan unprofessional for not only his accusations, but also for yelling in the courtroom. Ultimately, the court ruled in Terlaje’s favor and denied the motion to stay on Apuron’s cases.
That means the four lawsuits against Apuron will proceed in the federal court – and soon – a hearing on Apuron’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for August 29.
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