Parents of survivors speak out after convicted sex offender released without notification

James and Angelyn Cepeda, parents of sexual assault survivors, are speaking out after they were not informed that convicted sex offender Abdon R. Teregeyo, who pleaded guilty to sexual assault of their daughters in 2023, was released from prison without notifying the family.

The family expressed their deep frustration with the Attorney General’s Office, which typically notifies survivors when perpetrators are released from prison. They told Marianas Press, “[The] AG's office negligence caused our hard work, time, and effort in the healing within our family to crumble with chaos in an instant.”

In response to Marianas Press’ request for comment, Chester Hinds, Chief Prosecutor of the Criminal Division at the Office of the Attorney General, issued the following statement: “Recently, it came to my attention that a defendant who pleaded guilty to sexual assault was released from the Department of Corrections after serving his sentence, in accordance with the Court’s Judgment of Conviction. Regrettably, the victims and their family were not notified of his release. I offer my sincere apology to the victims and their family. I am deeply sorry for the distress this has caused and for any additional trauma it may have brought. Throughout my tenure as Chief Prosecutor, I have made it my priority to place victims first. While I recognize that mistakes can occur and I strive to learn from them, this is a failure that should not have happened. I take full responsibility, and I am committed to ensuring that stronger safeguards are in place so this does not happen again.”

Marianas Press learned that the Cepeda family met with the AG’s office when the parents learned of his release. James and Angelyn Cepeda also took issue with the Department of Corrections' role in the matter.

They said in a statement to Marianas Press, “...Not only AG's office but he was not also registered upon release as required by law on the Sex Offender [Registry] wasn't informed by DOC, so DOC was also [negligent] in this case, when we were counting on their word.”

The family added, “…though the damage is done, and we forgave them for it is not our intention to harm but to make it better, to speak/voice out so we can make the wrong, right, for we all make mistakes the point is do we learn from that mistake and apply that to our life so we can be better...whatever the situation we face we must learn not to be bitter but be better as a whole...mentally, physically, emotionally, verbally, and in our actions.”

DOC Commissioner Anthony Torres responded to MP’s request for comment and said, “It has come to my attention that a convicted felon of sexual assault was released from custody after serving his sentence without prior notification to the victim and family. Although the Department of Corrections is not legally mandated to provide this notification, I take extreme ownership for this failure. It never should have happened. We had a clear duty to do better, and we fell short under my leadership. No excuses.”

Commissioner Torres added, “To the victim and your family: I am truly sorry. I can only imagine the fear, anger, and fresh trauma this has caused you. You trusted the system to keep you informed and safe, and at the moment you needed us most, we let you down. You deserved to know. You deserved time to prepare. This failure breaks my heart, because it added pain to what you’ve already suffered.”

Torres said he has launched an immediate full review of current mechanisms. The commissioner has already placed new protections, including a mandatory signed Pre-Release Victim Notification checklist before any release, a dedicated Victim Liaison, a secure victim registry, and formal partnerships with xthe AG’s Office, Courts, CJPA, and Parole Division.

“These changes will ensure written notification at least 30 days in advance for every case. No exceptions,” he explained. “The people of the Commonwealth deserve a corrections system that puts victims first. I will not rest until we deliver exactly that. I am personally leading these changes and will keep you updated.”

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, you are not alone. Support is available through the 24/7 Karidat Victim Hotline at (670) 234-5100 or the 24/7 Karidat Sexual Assault Helpline at (670) 838-7233.