by Nick Delgado

Guam – The Interior Department's Inspector General is currently conducting an investigation concerning Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Tony Babauta. DOI Deputy Director of Communications Blake Androff confirms Babauta has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Although not too many details are being released at this time, KUAM confirms the investigation includes a review of travel in the office of insular affairs as well as the review of a specific grant that was awarded by the office. DOI has not reached any conclusions at this time.

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo states she is aware of the ongoing IG review. The Natural Resources Committee is also aware of this ongoing process and of the allegations. Bordallo states, "I respect this process and look forward to receiving the full IG report when it's completed. As Guam's own son, I have known Assistant Secretary Babauta for a long time. I have confidence in his integrity and in the work he has performed as the Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs. He has used his expertise on insular issues to fully engage leaders from across the Pacific and in the Caribbean. Our islands a better positioned because of his leadership. I believe that he has always exercised sound decision making and I hope this will be reflected in the IG results."

Eileen Sobeck has been named acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas and will lead the Insular Affairs team during this period. She previously served as the Interior's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.