Saipan diocese comments on molestation charges against bishop

It was on Monday, a 17th victim filed suit in the District Court of Guam and one of his alleged molesters living up north in Saipan. In a press release from the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa on Tuesday, Bishop Ryan Jimenez states he received the news with great sadness and asks for prayers for both the alleged victim and the accused.

Court documents state Melvin Duenas was a young altar boy serving at St. Joseph Parish in Inarajan when he was raped nightly by then-priest Tomas Camacho as well as Father Louis Brouillard. Camacho later became bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa and retired. Due to the ongoing litigation, no further comment can be made on the matter.

"We will give our full cooperation with civil authorities," the release states.

In addition, Bishop Jimenez says three years ago their archdiocese started trainings and workshops for the protection of children and young people and trainings will continue for all. A holy hour is scheduled in the NMI for all parishes to pray together.