The #4 story in our countdown of the biggest moments in Guam news in 2019 is Congressman Michael San Nicolas becoming the focus of an investigation by the Guam Election Commission and the House Ethics Committee.

It was in September that San Nicolas' former chief of staff John Paul Manuel, when he was senator and campaign chairman of his 2018 campaign for Congress, came forward making allegations, such as "the use of campaign funds for personal expenses and receiving contributions above the allowed amount."

According to Manuel, San Nicolas also allegedly used campaign funds to reimburse himself to pay for off-island trips and hotel rooms here on Guam in the Philippines to spend time with his long-time mistress.  That mistress is now allegedly employed by the congressman which if true would be a violation of House Ethics Rules.

Responding to the allegations, San Nicolas posted on Facebook: "These allegations are stemming from a number of various local government officials who are currently under an active FBI investigation that was initiated in December/January."

San Nicolas in another Facebook post alleged Democratic Party leaders orchestrated the allegations against him, calling it "dirty local politics."

A little over one month after Manuel filed a complaint with the Guam Election Commission, Congressman San Nicolas made national headlines as the House Ethics Committee announced he was under investigation.

The committee is aware of public allegations that Delegate Michael San Nicolas may have engaged in a sexual relationship with an individual on his staff, converted campaign funds to personal use and accepted improper or excessive campaign donations.

Like he's done throughout his term, Congressman San Nicolas has continuously refused to respond to our inquiries.