Another Agat Resident Claims Archbishop Sexually Molested Him, by Sabrina Salas Matanane, KUAM, June 14, 2016

Another Agat Resident Claims Archbishop Sexually Molested Him

By Sabrina Salas Matanane
KUAM
June 14, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32222996/2016/06/14/another-agat-resident-claims-archbishop-sexually-molested-him

During a press conference held in front of the Archdiocese of Agana’s Pastoral Center this morning, Roland Sondia of Agat alleged he was sexually molested by Archbishop Anthony Apuron. The alleged incident occurred when Sondia was an altar boy at Mt. Carmel Church in Agat where Apuron was a priest at the time.

In the summer of 1977, Sondia said he along with other altar boys were spending the night at the Mount Carmel Rectory. He alleges Fr. Tony (Apuron) walked in, tapped him to wake him up and told him he needed help. He said he brought him into his bedroom and asked him if he wanted to try him. Sondia alleges Fr. Tony then began squeezing his penis. Sondia said he was in shock and asked him what is he doing and left.

Sondia’s attorney David Lujan said two more alleged victims will be coming forward “soon”. Archbishop Apuron has denied allegations of sexual abuse. This is the 5th person to have come forward alleging sexual abuse by Archbishop Apuron when he was a priest.

The other four that have come forward:

1 - John Toves: He alleged his cousin was sexually abused by Apuron. Toves said his cousin was a seminarian at the time. Because his relative never came forward it was not investigated.

2 - Roy Quintanilla: He alleges he was molested by the Archbishop when he was a priest at Mt. Carmel Church in Agat. Quintanilla was an altar boy and was 12-years-old.

3 - Walter Denton: He accused Apuron of raping him when he was 13-years-old. He also was an altar boy and Apuron was a priest at Mt. Carmel

4 - Doris Concepcion: She alleges her son, Joseph “Sonny” Quinata on his death bed told her he was molested by the Archbishop Apuron also when he was a priest in Agat. Quinata was also an altar boy. His ashes were brought to Guam and laid to rest by his family on Tuesday.

A week ago Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai as the Apostolic Administrator sede plena over the local Archdiocese. This means that Archbishop Apuron has temporarily been removed of his responsibilities. Archbishop Hon has asked for the local community’s patience, prayer and unity at this time.