As mediation seeking a settlement for upwards of 180 clergy sexual abuse cases continues, two priests have been named as perpetrators of similar crimes against a boy at the Malojloj Parish and Chalan Pago.
The plaintiff, named by the initials J.W. alleges the acts were by Father Louis Broulliard and the late Father Antonio Cruz.
Broulliard, who is in his 90s and living in Minnesota, has admitted to such acts but claims not to recall the victims. Broulliard, who served as a Boy Scout Leader on Guam for many years, has been blamed by numerous victims of similar crimes. Cruz is accused in two other sexual abuse cases.
"Cruz insisted to J.W. that he never tell anyone about this wrongful conduct," according to the lawsuit.
J.W., represented by Attorney Michael Berman, demands at least $5 million in minimum damages in the case that names the Archdiocese of Agana, Boy Scouts of America, Brouillard and Cruz as among the defendants.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Agaña acknowledges the newest lawsuit and allegation of sexual abuse filed by a person listed under the initials J.W:
"In the lawsuit filed Friday, Sept. 14, J.W. said he was sexually abused by Father Louis Broulliard while he was an altar server at Malojloj parish in or at about 1964-65. J.W. said he was also sexually abused by the late Father Antonio Cruz later in time at Chalan Pago parish.
On behalf of the entire archdiocese, Archbishop Michael Byrnes extends prayers to J.W. and all people who have come forward recently or in the past to say they were sexually abused by clergy or lay persons of the archdiocese. The archdiocese has strengthened its efforts in the protection of children and young people entrusted to its care. It has aligned its sexual abuse policy with that of the United States Conference of Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes the implementation of mandatory training for all clergy, employees and volunteers. The archdiocese is currently undergoing mediation with legal counsel of plaintiffs related to sexual abuse lawsuits and is committed to working earnestly to help bring healing, resolution and reconciliation to victims and survivors of sexual abuse."