Senator Terlaje believes an examination of whether sentencing laws, rehabilitation, and parole are protecting our community from repeat sex offenders in necessary. The meeting will take place on May 6th at 1 p.m. Prior to the meeting, Senator Terlaje is soliciting additional recommendations and findings. Additionally, Senator Terlaje is inquiring with the Attorney General if proper procedures were followed in the Mafnas case.
“As a mother of three daughters, I share the justifiable anger of the women and men in our community at the high number of criminal sexual offenses and especially those against children on Guam. I am convinced that the incidences of repeat rapists warrants an urgent look by elected officials, the courts, and the entire criminal justice system at whether our current sentencing, imprisonment, rehabilitation, and release of sexual offenders is truly protecting our children and our community from repeat offenders. There are obviously gaps that need to be closed immediately to prevent further harm. We owe it to our children and to the survivors of these horrendous crimes to move heaven and earth to keep them safe. As a lawyer and in my capacity as Chair of the Legislative Committee on Justice, I will begin with closing any gaps in our system that enable repeat offenders. We will ensure that laws that require victims to be heard and protected are enforced and that everyone is held accountable. We must immediately incorporate updated mental health, medical, and other tools to stop sexual crimes,” states Senator Terlaje.
See the following news reports regarding the upcoming Roundtable Discussion: