GFD staffer files complaint with GPD

by Nick Delgado

Guam - A concerned Guam Fire Department employee filed a theft of property held in trust complaint against former fire chief Dave Peredo and current administrative services officer Marilyn Aflague. Guam Police Department Spokesperson Officer Mercy Grino confirms the complaint was filed Monday at the Agat Precinct.

The complaint alleges nearly $200,000 from the E-911 Fund was inappropriately used. Public Safety Chair Senator Adolpho Palacios told KUAM News when asked what current law says about the 911 funds, "It can be tapped in to support of course the emergency operations, which is of course buying of equipment." 

The law however states the purpose of the 911 surcharges is to fund responsible expenses for operating and maintaining the 911 system. KUAM News obtained a list of purchases made during the Camacho Administration - items such as twelve webcams for $729 dollars, six different purchases each at $700 for Seacraft/diving parts/tools and supplies, four 40" LCD TVs for nearly $3,200, 40-W motor oil at $503, five desktop computers with 19" screens for $8,500, three computers with 22" monitors for $5,200, four laptops for just over $6,000, sixteen fire rescue crash kits for more than $11,000, nearly $94,000 towards uniform allowances, and the list goes on.

Aflague today refused to comment at this time. As we reported acting fire chief Ray Perez removed her authority to certify funds when he was nominated to the position in march. During last week's briefing before lawmakers he said he removed her authority because his insecurities and didn't want to go to jail. But during that same hearing it was revealed that Aflague was replaced by a secretary. Former GFD chief Dave Peredo does tell us that he does follow the law, and that it was his understanding that funding was approved by the Department of Administration and BBMR.

While GFD Spokesperson Captain Andy Arceo could not speak on the issue, KUAM News has learned that a request was made to the Government Corruption Task Force to further investigate the matter. The results of that investigation have not yet been released, and GPD is now working on the theft complaint filed Monday.