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	Support Ebbs in Abuse Case Some in Chilean Community 'Having Their Doubts' after More Allegations Surface against Photographer By Isabel Teotonio Toronto Star November 22, 2007 http://www.thestar.com/News/article/278881 A woman who claims she was sexually abused by accused child molester Pedro Briceno is relieved to hear that some in Toronto's Chilean community are no longer rallying behind the popular photographer after two other women came forward this week with allegations of assault. The woman's comments yesterday come nearly two weeks after a fundraiser was held at St. Paul's Anglican Church for the wife and two children of the 64-year-old, which was attended by prominent members of the Hispanic community as well as the parish priest. "At first there was a lot of anger," said the 24-year-old, adding she was especially "disturbed" to learn Father Maurice Francois told the crowd of about 45 in attendance that one of the Ten Commandments was not to bear false witness. But with the additional complainants bringing the total to six, she said, "I think it's very hard for someone ... to say it was a misunderstanding." Charges were first brought against Briceno, a photojournalist with the local Spanish-language newspaper El Popular, in late August. At the time, three girls between the ages of 7 and 9 told police they had been sexually assaulted in his west-end home. News of his arrest prompted the 24-year-old to end years of silence to make similar allegations, dating back to when she was a girl and attended a community centre where Briceno was performing as a musician. Earlier this week, two other women, aged 29 and 31, entered Toronto police's 11 Division and levied more accusations that go back about 20 years. Briceno, who will appear this morning in Old City Hall Court, is now charged with a total of 15 sexual assault-related charges against six females, who were between the ages of 7 and 10 at the time of the alleged offences. All the alleged victims, whose identities have been protected, are from the Hispanic community. "At the beginning we all supported him with our eyes shut," said a prominent member of the community who asked not to be identified and has known Briceno for more than 12 years. "Now things are different because of the number of (alleged victims). ... People who supported him in the beginning are having their doubts." Organizers of the Nov. 10 fundraiser, which was briefly attended by Briceno and raised about $1,100, did not return calls yesterday, nor did those who appeared to support him a week ago. The priest at the Willard Ave. church also did not return the Star's calls. However, the Anglican Diocese of Toronto released a statement saying while it was regrettable funds were raised in such a public manner, the church is called to "respond compassionately to those in need." Eduardo Uruena, editor of El Popular newspaper, where Briceno worked for 15 years, said yesterday that after the most recent charges, people are speechless and "beginning to question the whole issue." Even Uruena, who initially chalked up the accusations to a "cultural misunderstanding" because Briceno likes to hug and kiss everyone, said "it's difficult to ignore" the allegations given the number of complainants.
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