Guam Daily Post:
No clear trial dates for clergy named in sex abuse lawsuits
"Tydingco-Gatewood also addressed cases in which former Archbishop Anthony Apuron and former chancellor Adrian Cristobal were named. The judge explained to the parties that if the accused individuals are still alive, they need to be served."
I do hope that the cases against Apuron move forward soon. And I hope, as he has stated, that he will attempt to prove his innocence by demonstrating that he was a victim of a real estate conspiracy led by “Tim Rohr and associates.” As soon as he names me, that opens the door for me to subpoena whoever I want. And there are two priests on my list…and an ex government official. And maybe many more.
ReplyDeleteWhere's apuron now?
DeleteGood question. Up till now, it didn't matter. But now that the DC judge has demanded that they be "served," it now matters. Obviously, Apuron's lawyer, (aka "the trained lawyer") knows, but given that Apuron's case is still a matter of civil liability (and not criminal), Apuron may never have to physically appear. His "trained lawyer" will cover for him. (P.S. She's president of the Guam Bar). However, Cristobal's case may be different. It appears at least one of the complaints against him occurred within the criminal statute of limitations. Cristobal was the real mastermind behind almost all of this anyway. Apuron was nothing more than a stooge and a rubber stamp. I have GREAT PERSONAL INTEREST in this. Believe me.
DeleteYou'll only have to subpoena people if he files a claim against you. Otherwise, sit back and watch the trainwreck.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I would like to have Apuron appear in court and be held accountable for his sexually abusive behavior, the question is, is it possible given that he has been permanently banned by the Vatican from returning to Guam? If he is legitimately served to appear in court on Guam, I would think that the Vatican would permit his return in the interest of justice. Also, since Apuron has always vehemently maintained his innocence, I would also think that he would welcome the opportunity to prove his innocence. I’m particularly interested in him showing how he was a victim of a major conspiracy that was directed at him to destroy and discredit him as the head of the Catholic Church on Guam and that the “false sexual abuse allegations” made against him were executed to accomplish removing him as Archbishop.
ReplyDeleteSince Apuron faces civil litigation with regard to the sexual abuse allegations against him, a preponderance of the evidence and not beyond a reasonable doubt is all that is required to adjudicate him responsible for committing sexual abuse against the victims who have filed suit against him.
So, return home Mr. Apuron with the blessing of the Vatican and let the games begin.
The Vatican has no authority over the civil. So if summoned, he wouldn't need the blessing of the Vatican. However, I doubt he'll show. He'll do things through his lawyer. My concern though is that the lawyers for the victims may choose not to prosecute. They took these cases against Apuron and Cristobal on contingency. Prosecution will be expensive. I doubt Apuron personally has enough assets to make it worth their while. Cristobal could be a different story though. Still, given the millions the lawyers already made on the archdiocese side of things, they should prosecute these cases even if there isn't a dime in it for them in the end. Had not those guys come forward to begin with - and at great risk at the time - there would have been no millions from the archdiocese.
Delete