HAGÅTÑA, Guam — Guam State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan has been arrested and placed on administrative leave, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said Monday, calling the allegations “serious and deeply concerning.”
The governor’s statement did not specify the charges against Lujan, referring only to “the allegations reported today.” Arrest details were not immediately available.
“Mr. Lujan has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately while the legal process moves forward,” Leon Guerrero said. Carlotta Leon Guerrero will serve as Acting State Historic Preservation Officer to ensure the work of the office continues without interruption, the statement said.
“Every person is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence,” the governor said. “We will respect that process and allow law enforcement and the courts to do their work.”
Leon Guerrero acknowledged the case will draw significant public attention and directed a message to the community. “I want to use that attention to say something directly to anyone in our community experiencing abuse or violence: you do not have to suffer in silence,” she said. “Please reach out to someone you trust and seek help. There are people and organizations on Guam ready to help you find safety and support.”
The State Historic Preservation Office oversees the protection of Guam’s historic and cultural resources.
