by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Senator Matt Rector is already under investigation, accused of breaking the law by failing to report a criminal act that he pleaded guilty to more than two decades ago. The Democrat lawmaker and Guam Federation of Teachers president is likely going to have to appear in court, this time to answer to why he violated the law by being a no-show at the Guam Election Commission this morning.

"The clock reads 11:15, we have been here since 11:00 to receive Mr. Rector," announced Attorney Cesar Cabot, legal counsel for the Guam Election Commission, "and it's obvious Mr. Rector has not shown up for his subpoena hearing."

Cabot, GEC Executive Director John Blas and board chairperson John Taitano sat and waited at the GEC's Hagatna offices this morning. "As far as we're concerned from our perspective, Senator Rector has violated Guam law and has blatantly disregarded a valid subpoena issued by the Guam Election Commission," Cabot continued.

On December 22 the Election Commission subpoenaed Rector, ordering him to appear today and submit any and all documents related to his California burglary conviction that the Democrat lawmaker openly admitted to on Facebook. Rector, through his attorney Robert Kutz, had asked for an extension until March to submit the documents, but that request was denied.

So what's next?

The GEC board chair says he intends to reconvene the board in the next five days. "At that time, take the proper action in accordance with what our attorney had just explained," said Taitano. "This is a first for us we want to make sure we do it proper. We do it correctly and we want to make sure that everyone has their fair share and fair say as far as the process."

Attorney Cabot says one of the options is for the board to give him the green light to take the matter to court, adding, "My recommendation to the board is to hold Senator Rector accountable to the fullest extent of the law. And at that point it will be up to a Superior Court judge to determine what is appropriate."

If the board approves further legal action, a special proceedings action could be filed in the Superior Court on Thursday or Friday of next week asking a judge to assess whether rector should be held in contempt of court and what sanctions would be appropriate.