Former Guam Homeland Security planner Leo Espia has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges linked to questionable payroll spending. Espia is accused of falsifying timesheets and misusing government funds while overseeing the Emergency Operations Center from 2017 to 2022.

He faces felony and misdemeanor counts, including theft by deception and tampering with public records — all carrying the added allegation of committing a crime against the community.

Espia was released on a $2,000 recognizance bond and ordered to avoid other defendants and witnesses. He’s one of six staffers indicted last month following audits by the Office of Public Accountability.

Among the others charged are Civil Defense administrator Charles Esteves and former staffers Patrick Leon Guerrero, Michael Taijeron, Marie Quenga, and Joel Valenzuela.

Espia, who was fired in 2022 over unrelated allegations, recently settled a wrongful termination appeal with the government.

The investigation is ongoing, with Valenzuela set to appear in court on May 15.