Defense ties rape charge to money
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The attorney for Eugene Saulibio suggested yesterday that a rape accusation and Saulibio's subsequent indictment may be linked to his recent financial settlement with a Catholic priest and his order over allegations Saulibio was molested as a teenager by the priest.
"Eugene has recently come into some money. We believe the complaining witness is aware of the settlement," attorney Victor Bakke said yesterday at Kaua'i's 5th Circuit Court.
But Kaua'i Prosecuting Attorney Craig DeCosta said the alleged victim, now a 21-year-old woman from California, came forward before the settlement. The woman has not filed a civil complaint against Saulibio.
Saulibio, 44, was indicted Nov. 21 on four counts of first-degree sexual assault in a 1996 case involving a girl who was a minor at the time and a guest in Saulibio's Kaua'i home. Saulibio now lives on O'ahu.
At an arraignment yesterday, Bakke pleaded not guilty on behalf of his client and asked for a speedy jury trial. The trial has tentatively been set for Feb. 27.
Bakke, who did not allow Saulibio to make public comments, said his client had no indication that such a case was in the offing.
"This case is nine years old. It was a complete surprise," Bakke said. "We're going to fight this to the bitter end," but hope to get the case dismissed before it comes to trial, Bakke said.
Saulibio brought a lawsuit against the Rev. Joseph Bukoski III and The Fathers of the Sacred Heart, accusing Bukoski of providing him with alcohol and drugs and of sexually assaulting him in 1976, when he was 15. Saulibio reached an undisclosed financial settlement with The Fathers of the Sacred Heart, and will be paid $50 monthly by Bukoski for the next 10 years.
"The truth will come out. The truth will set you free," Saulibio said Tuesday night, after his arrest and release on $80,000 bail. Bakke yesterday asked that bail be reduced.
Judge George Masuoka said he will order a bail study before considering adjustments to the bail amount.
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.
