The head of the Guam International Airport Authority isn't showing any of his cards as an active investigation plays out involving his employees.

"GIAA is aware of all the allegations of employee misconduct and of course we're investigating these allegations," John Quinata said.

And throughout KUAM's interview with the Quinata, he held his poker face.


KUAM: There's an ongoing investigation?
Quinata: Yes, ma'am
KUAM: Local?
Quinata: I can't comment further. 

KUAM: Was anyone terminated?
Quinata: Uh, yes.
KUAM: How many?
Quinata: Can't comment further ma'am
KUAM: Do they wear a badge??
Quinata: I can't comment further.
KUAM: When were they terminated?
Quinata: Can't comment further.
KUAM: When was the complaint made?
Quinata: Uh, like I said anything to do with this, the allegations and the investigation I cannot be able to comment.

Despite our stack of questions, Quinata wouldn't fold.


"I have to stick with the statement," he said.

The GIAA manager may be sticking with this statement, but according to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Request, it lays all the cards on the table.

According to the documents Airport Police Officer I Jericho Santos was terminated from the airport. According to the final notice of adverse action Santos apologized for embarrassing the Authority and took full responsibility for his action. He admitted to being a gambler and did not deny gambling on duty.

According to his case file with the Civil Service Commission, Santos was initially introduced to the Poker Bro's app by Guam Police Officer Jesse San Nicolas and then started as a player in an online mobile poker application in one of the Guam Police Department's online poker groups. Santos is then alleged to have started his own Poker group called Jack Ten. He recruited up to 249 active members which included Airport police officers, security guards, Airport Fire Fighters, Guam Police Department officers, Guam Fire Fighters, Guam National Guardsmen, DZSP personnel, Superior Court of Guam marshals, local business owners, civilians, off-island participant and players from all different professions from all over the island and even in the states.

According to the documents, Santos admitted that he and his agents made an estimated $120,000 or more in US Currency collectively and that he would receive $5,000 to $6,000 per week. His termination was effective Dec. 31. He has since filed an appeal with the Civil Service Commission.

As for Quinata, he says he'll continue to flush out all those who may have been involved


"We are taking appropriate actions where necessary and they will be dealt with convincingly," he said.

Meanwhile Chief of Police Steve Ignacio confirms he was informed of an ongoing investigation, which has prompted him to conduct an internal affairs investigation involving a single police officer. Ignacio however would not confirm if the complaint involved gambling and who informed him of the ongoing investigation.


KUAM News has also confirmed that Sen. Joanne Brown was alerted through an anonymous tip about the allegations of gambling involving airport police officers during working hours.

The anonymous individual reported that six officers were involved in this alleged incident to include a supervisor. The individual was concerned that the officers received a "slap on the hand" with a suspension and believed the offense was more serious and should be considered official misconduct while on duty. Senator Brown then reported the information to Sen. Amanda Shelton who has oversight over the Airport.

Sen. Shelton says she requested a detailed timeline of the alleged incidents and actions taken to address the matter from the Airport executive manager. Sen. Shelton in a statement to KUAM today said "I share the public's concern regarding the matter involving the GIAA Airport Police. I also share their desire to prohibit any improprieties and maintain the integrity of all airport operations."

The oversight chair was scheduled to meet with Airport management today and will decide on the next steps forward.