Suspended Priest Sues Family For Defamation

Father Guichard Accused Of Sexually Abusing Boy Who Died Of AIDS

Local 10 News, Florida/September 21, 2006

Miami -- A Roman Catholic priest suspended by the Archdiocese of Miami for sexual abuse allegations is suing one of his accusers.

Alvaro Guichard names "John Doe 17" in the lawsuit. Guichard also is suing the mother and brother of another accuser for defamation and conspiracy.

The lawsuits stems from comments made during a 2004 news conference announcing settlements involving the archdiocese and several sex abuse lawsuits.

In separate lawsuits filed this week in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, Guichard claims the mother and brother of Miguel Cinchilla defamed him by saying he and another priest sexually abused Cinchilla, who died of AIDS in 1993.

The family was commenting on the settlement in September 2004 when Guichard crashed the news conference.

"Father Guichard, the fact that you raped and sodomized their family member and you expect them to sit here and let you get away, it's not going to happen," said the family's attorney.

Guichard snapped back.

"You insulted me and offended me and because you know very well you are lying," Guichard said.

The archdiocese said it settled the case to avoid growing legal fees, but did not admit any guilt.

Each lawsuit also claims the defendants conspired with attorney Jeffrey Herman to collect money from the archdiocese by incriminating Guichard.