Hagåtña, Guam – After just 15 minutes of deliberation, a jury convicted Peter Vonschimpf on charges of attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and abuse of an incompetent person, both misdemeanors, according to the Attorney General of Guam’s office. Vonschimpf was acquitted of the more severe charges of attempted third-degree criminal sexual conduct as a second-degree felony, along with a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The trial revolved around Vonschimpf’s actions concerning a non-verbal 25-year-old woman with autism who was under his care. Prosecutors presented a disturbing scene described by the victim’s mother, who reported catching Vonschimpf fleeing her daughter’s room pantsless on September 21, 2024. She found her daughter lying face-down, partially disrobed, and noted an inappropriate application of lotion.
During the trial, testimonies came from multiple witnesses, including the victim’s mother, who detailed the unsettling conditions she witnessed upon entering her daughter’s room. The mother stated that Vonschimpf had explicit instructions never to change her daughter’s diaper. His defense was challenged when she confronted him, and he purportedly claimed it was an unprecedented incident.
Arguments from the defense, led by attorney William Bischoff, suggested that Vonschimpf’s nudity was due to personal bladder issues and that lotion found on the victim was intended as diaper rash cream. Bischoff’s defense was tasked with injecting doubt amidst the serious allegations by offering alternative explanations for the actions Vonschimpf took.
Assistant Attorney General Christine Tenorio spearheaded the prosecution, navigating the complexities of a case involving a victim unable to communicate verbally. The jury’s quick decision indicates that the evidence presented was compelling enough to substantiate the charges of misdemeanors while dismissing the more serious accusations.
Vonschimpf, who remained silent post-verdict, faces a potential maximum sentence of two years in prison for each misdemeanor count. Sentencing is scheduled for April 2, with the Attorney General’s office recommending the maximum penalty.
Furthermore, Vonschimpf is now mandated to register as a Level 3 sex offender, marking a significant fall from grace and posing severe restrictions on his future engagements, particularly involving the care of vulnerable individuals.
This case underscores the challenges and critical nature of protecting disabled individuals, who may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The legal proceedings in Guam reflect an essential vigilance in upholding justice for all community members, particularly those unable to advocate for themselves.
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