Probe sought on sexual harassment complaint against Guam Visitors Bureau

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Sen. Therese M. Terlaje has called for a full investigation into the sexual harassment complaint filed against the Guam Visitors Bureau, which is facing a $61.5 million civil suit in federal court.

"Sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any form of workplace misconduct must never be tolerated with any government of Guam agency, autonomous agency, or public corporation. Equally unacceptable is any effort to conceal, minimize, or disregard allegations of such conduct," Terlaje said.

The case was filed on June 1 by a former GVB employee, alleging a prolonged pattern of sexual assault, harassment and institutional failures by former leadership.

The complaint was directed against Carl Gutierrez, former GVB president, who allegedly "repeatedly subjected plaintiff to escalating acts of unwanted sexual harassment, coercion, and sexual assault during official travel and in GVB offices, under color of his authority" between October 2022 and August 2024.

Also named as a defendant was George Chiu, the board chairman, who allegedly refused to take action despite receiving the complaint and the subsequent investigation.

"Plaintiff also experienced shame from being related by blood to Mr. Gutierrez and subjected to unwanted sexual harassment, coercion, and sexual assault," the complaint reads.

"Plaintiff also suffered from extreme fear from the retaliation that would come from Mr. Gutierrez’s position as the president of GVB and power and influence as a former governor of Guam."

Terlaje asked Attorney General Douglas Moylan to investigate and prosecute any employee, supervisor or elected official who committed or was complicit, or who knew or should have known of the allegations and did not prevent further threat or harm,  or used public funds for illicit activities.