Attorney for accused Guam archbishop says statute of limitations bars abuse lawsuits

August 29, 2017

An attorney for Archbishop Anthony Apuron has asked a court in Guam to dismiss sex-abuse lawsuits against the prelate, saying that the statute of limitations has expired.

Attorney Jacque Terlaje argued that the laws regarding sexual misconduct cannot be properly applied “to old cases such as the one Archbishop Anthony is involved in.” She said that a new law, allowing for more time to file sex-abuse claims, should not be applied retroactively.

Archbishop Apuron is on leave from his post in the Archdiocese of Agana, Guam, because of sex-abuse complaints. A Vatican tribunal has investigated the charges against him, and is expected to render its judgment soon.

 

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Further information:

• Apuron’s attorney says claims against her client are time-barred (Pacific News)
• Vatican tribunal ready to deliberate in trial of Archbishop Apuron (CWN, 7/7)