Guam Public Auditor Warns of Audit Delays Amid GDOE Resignations, Police Gambling Scandal

Guam's public auditor has cautioned that recent resignations of key officials at the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) could lead to delays in the government-wide audit. The warning comes as four Guam police officers have been implicated in an illegal gambling operation, further complicating the government's oversight efforts.

Joann Camacho, the former GDOE deputy superintendent of finance and administration, resigned from her position allegedly due to pressure from the GDOE superintendent and the education board. Camacho believes her resignation was politically motivated, stating it was "retribution" for her husband's challenge to the current administration in the last gubernatorial race. However, GDOE board chairwoman Mary Okada has denied any directive from the governor's office to remove Camacho and defended the board's oversight role.

The public auditor expressed concern that Camacho's resignation, along with other departures from GDOE, could hinder the timely completion of the government-wide audit. The audit is critical for ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds across various government agencies and departments.

Why this matters: The potential delays in the government-wide audit raise concerns about the effectiveness of financial oversight and the ability to detect and prevent mismanagement of public resources. The involvement of police officers in an illegal gambling ring further erodes public trust in government institutions and highlights the need for robust internal controls and accountability measures.

In a separate development, a U.S. District Court document revealed that at least four Guam Police Department (GPD) officers were involved in running an illegal gambling operation in 2020. The officers, including Jesse San Nicolas, H.M., F.C., and TL, assisted in organizing and managing the gambling activities, particularly when San Nicolas was deployed for military service. The investigation uncovered large sums of money flowing through various accounts owned by the officers and their associates, which did not align with their reported occupations.

Sen. Chris Barnett, chairman of the legislative committee on public safety, has called on the GPD and the Attorney General's office to review the court documents and determine any necessary investigations or legal actions. The involvement of law enforcement officers in illegal activities undermines public confidence in the police force and raises questions about the integrity of those sworn to uphold the law.

The resignations at GDOE and the implication of police officers in an illegal gambling ring have raised concerns about the state of Guam's government operations. Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz has emphasized the importance of timely audits to maintain transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, the GPD and the Attorney General's office are expected to investigate the alleged involvement of officers in the gambling scandal and take appropriate disciplinary and legal measures. As the island grapples with these challenges, restoring public trust in government institutions will be a top priority for officials and lawmakers.

Key Takeaways

• Guam public auditor warns of delays in govt-wide audit due to GDOE officials' resignations.
• 4 Guam police officers implicated in illegal gambling operation, eroding public trust.
• GDOE deputy superintendent's resignation allegedly politically motivated, denied by board.
• Audit delays raise concerns about financial oversight and public resource management.
• GPD, AG's office to investigate officers' involvement in gambling scandal and take action.