by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Police Lieutenant Mark Charfauros has filed an appeal of his five-day suspension with the Civil Service Commission. According to the appeal, Charfauros, who is represented by the Guam Federation of Teachers, claims that management has failed to provide any evidence that he intentionally and willfully violated department of correction security regulations. Charfauros received a five day suspension after internal affairs sustained unbecoming conduct claims against him.

The disciplinary action was related to Charfauros' November 21 visit to the Department of Corrections to visit police officers who are being detained awaiting trial in the Blue House Lounge prostitution case. It was alleged that Charfauros gave his cell phone to one of the detained officers.

The notice of final adverse action accused Charfauros of using his official position to benefit himself, three other officers who accompanied him and the detained officers by allowing unauthorized access to the Hagatna Detention Facility. Charfauros, who remains detailed to DOC, contends that he was never briefed on the agency's regulations and witnessed others, including the commander of the detention facility authorizing and granting access to Guam Police Department personnel before.

Charfauros was also recently demoted from the rank of captain and was disciplined for speaking with KUAM News following his arrest for official misconduct.