Jury Reaches Verdict in Sexual Assault Case Against Suruhanu Frank ‘Ko’ San Nicolas

July 27, 2022- Tamuning, Guam- After a month-long trial and a few days of jury deliberation, the trial of Frank ‘Ko’ San Nicolas for sexual assault has finally come to an end. Jurors found San Nicolas not guilty of the charges against him.

The victim took the stand and recounted how she went to a northern beach to take photos and connect with the ancestors of Guam when she happened upon San Nicolas, who was there to check crab traps laid out in the jungle. He informed her that he was a suruhånu–a healer–and invited her to join him, showing her the nearby forests and cave. It was in the cave where San Nicolas convinced his victim that in order to fully receive the spirits, he had to have sex with her. Another victim also testified that the defendant used a similar ruse to have sex with her.

San Nicolas was found not guilty of Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and two counts of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct following about 30 days of trial. He was also acquitted in a previous case with similar charges in 2021.

“Although we are extremely disappointed by the verdict, we want to thank the jurors for their service and the victims for their courage in coming forward and sharing their story of what happened with Mr. San Nicolas,” AAG Olan said. “The Attorney General’s Office won’t stop fighting to give a voice to victims of sexual assault.”