Archbishop's Accusers Visit Alleged Scene of Crime

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
June 9, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32180681/2016/06/09/archbishops-accusers-visit-alleged-scene-of-crime

[with video]


It was an emotional homecoming for former Agat residents Walter Denton and Doris Concepcion. United by tragedy, but moving forward with one purpose - to ensure the removal of Archbishop Anthony Apuron - who they believe is hiding behind the cloth. Both live in separate cities in Arizona, but are here on Guam to share with everyone and anyone their story.

"That's where it happened - right there. That's the room. Right there where everything happened," said Denton tearfully upon approaching what used to be the rectory for the Mount Carmel Catholic Church, now the used as the administration building for Mount Carmel School. He alleges he was 13 years old when he was raped by archbishop apuron. Denton was an altar boy at Mount Carmel Church in Agat and Apuron a priest. On Thursday, he looked back at the scene of the alleged crime.

"I always believed, when I left the island, I always knew there were others," he shared. "Coming here brought back the pain. It brought back the pain and it hurts."

Last week Concepcion came forward alleging her son Joseph "Sonny" Quinata was on his deathbed 11 years ago when he shared his secret - that he too was allegedly molested by Apuron when he was an altar boy in the southern village. Concepcion was compelled by Roy Quinatanillla - who just weeks prior - publicly accused Apuron of molesting him.

Since the allegations of sexual abuse, the archbishop denied them, and the archdiocese stood by him claimed he was the victim of a malicious smear campaign and conspiracy to take him down. Concepcion said, "He's not a man of God, I'm sorry. He hides behind that cloth. That's all he does. And we are not attacking the church or our religion."

Denton and Concepcion met at the Agat Senior Center and walked across the street to the former rectory, down the street from their family homes. Along with Deacon Steve Martinez, they prayed for healing. According to Deacon Martinez, up to 12 other altar boys from the time of the alleged incidents have since passed away.

"For those victims we pray, especially for healing," he announced. "That they move beyond the incident that took place so many years ago that they find peace and comfort."

During an interview this morning on KUAM Radio on Isla630-AM, Denton revealed he had actually filed a complaint with the Vatican in August 2015 and was interviewed by the bishop in Arizona three months later. "The Vatican took my statement seriously," he said.

And being on Guam, he hopes is a step closer to closure. "I have never lost my Catholic faith," he said while in studio. "I still believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and what he's done for us."

A mass for healing is scheduled for Friday at noon at the Father Duenas Boys Chapel. Next week Tuesday, Concepcion also announced plans to lay her Sonny's ashes, to rest at Veterans Cemetery in Piti. A memorial service will be held at 10am.