Fired legal staffer files unlawful termination suit

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - A legal secretary who was fired from the Public Defender Service Corporation has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, its director and board members, and the governor and lieutenant governor - making strong claims of a corrupt government, a non-policed Bar Association, and a politically controlled Attorney General's Office. In an amended complaint filed in the District Court, Dustin O'Brien alleges he witnessed unethical behavior among the staff while working at the Alternate Public Defender's Office and claims he was unlawfully terminated after speaking out about what he believes was the unlawful administration of compensatory time. 

The suit spells out O'Brien's contention that staff were being used to run personal errands such as renewing car registration during government time, would often take extended lunches, and claimed that the office has no formal system to keep track of employees' hours and attendance. His claims against the governor are for the failure to appoint members to the Guam Employment Relations Board and states the cycle of corruption continues in the government.  He also states that the "Parade of Horribles marches on", referring to Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena and his alleged attempt to funnel more than $450,000 in lobbying fees to fallen Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff through bypassing court procurement regulations. 

O'Brien has asked the court for a number of things to include being reinstated to his position and being awarded various damages.

 

• COMPLAINT FOR THIS CASE (1 OF 2)
• COMPLAINT FOR THIS CASE (2 OF 2)