GUAM
KUAM
Updated: Aug 01, 2016
By Krystal Paco
Longtime social worker and licensed mental health counselor Vincent Pereda testified in support of Bill 326. He also gave examples of the punishment that Archbishop Anthony Apuron would have faced if convicted of rape or molestation in today’s justice system.
He explained, “Had he been reported when he committed these criminal acts back in the 70s when he was a parish priest, he would today by current law be charged with 1st and 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct as 1st degree felonies, which are the most serious level of sexual conduct offenses. If convicted for these crimes, he would be facing a minimum of 15 years to life.”
Pereda was a member of the Archdiocesan Review Board, the group tasked with investigating sex abuse allegations in the church. Earlier this year, Pereda resigned from his position on the board because he recognized flaws in the policy that enabled the archbishop to make all the decisions, even if he was the accused perpetrator.
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