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Govendo: Parents should take responsibility to educate children about proper sexual conduct
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Posted on Oct 05 2008
Parents in the CNMI should take responsibility in educating their children about proper sexual conduct, according to Superior Court associate judge Kenneth Govendo.
Govendo said the message must go out within the community that young men, ages 18 and older, will face severe punishment if they engage in sexual relations with a minor.
“The loose morals that allow this society to turn a blind eye on this practice must be challenged and changed,” the judge said.
Govendo said he is adamant in his belief that the best way to implement this change is for parents to take responsibility for educating their young boys and girls as to what is proper sexual conduct and what is not.
The judge made such appeal to the parents in his order that sentenced Kirk Manalo Palacios to one year in jail, without the possibility of parole, for sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree.
The 20-year-old Palacios was given credit for six days he already served in jail.
In June 2007, the 19-year-old defendant was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a then 14-year-old girl at least on five occasions between April to June 2007.
Palacios was charged with five counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree. He entered a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to one count. The remaining charges were dismissed.
During the sentencing, Govendo said he agrees with the Legislature that more needs to be done to ensure the protection of the community and to adequately deter persons from engaging in sexual conduct with minors.
“The Court believes this is a case where the interests of justice and of this society will be best served by imposing a jail term that the Court believes will have a deterrent effect on the defendant upon his release, upon any potential offenders, and will serve the retribution that society demands,” he said.
