The Department of Justice has launched an investigation probing “financial irregularities” in connection to Guam Congressman James Moylan’s office, according to the delegate himself. Moylan coming forward with the information with a recorded statement, pointing to his former chief of staff, who denies any wrongdoing. 

A video was sent to local media Tuesday afternoon, in which the delegate says, "Hafa Adai, as many of you know, earlier this year, my chief of staff resigned." Moylan reveals his office’s finances are under scrutiny and implies that his former chief of staff is to blame. "After his departure," he continued in the video, "the House of (Representative’s Office of) Payroll and Benefits uncovered financial irregularities directly linked to the former staffer’s responsibilities."

Though Moylan never says his name, the only former chief of staff that resigned earlier this year is Bobby Shringi, who left in March.  Once he was made aware of the discovery, the delegate says he took immediate action by working with House officials, referred the matter to the DOJ and requested a full investigation himself. 

He said, "At this time, I cannot share any more details since the investigation is ongoing. Now however, in the spirit of transparency, I’m providing this information and will provide updates as allowed by DOJ guidance."

In response, Shringi tells KUAM he has “no idea” what “financial irregularities” the delegate is alluding to. He rejects the implications that he acted independently or without Moylan's knowledge.  He says during his tenure, the congressman was not only his immediate supervisor, but fully informed him of operational and staffing matters at both DC and Guam offices, with detailed updates on a daily basis. 

So he was “surprised and disappointed” that Moylan did not first seek clarification from him before independently referring it to the DOJ. "While this matter is now in the hands of the appropriate authorities, I want to emphasize my respect for the rule of law and the principles of due process. Every individual deserves a fair and impartial investigation. I have full confidence in the criminal justice system to carry out the work with integrity," he said.

Shringi says he has not been notified by any investigative authority but remains prepared to cooperate fully, sharing confidence that he carried out his duties responsibly and accordingly.  He adds, “I will not allow my integrity to be called into question without factual basis, nor will i allow myself to be used as a scapegoat for decisions made under the congressman’s own oversight.”

KUAM reached out to the delegate’s office for clarification on the “financial irregularities” and the investigation, but have not heard back as of newstime.

Asked for his comment, Shringi texted the following to KUAM: "I am aware of recent public comments made by Congressman Jim Moylan regarding alleged irregularities in payroll and benefits during my tenure as his Chief of Staff. These remarks imply that I acted independently or without his knowledge. I categorically reject that implication.

Throughout my time in that role, the Congressman was not only my immediate supervisor, but he also set clear expectations that he be kept fully informed of operational and staffing matters across both his Washington, D.C. and Guam offices. I complied with those expectations, providing detailed updates on a daily basis. Major personnel actions, budgetary allocations, and office management decisions were communicated directly to him, and nothing occurred without his concurrence.

I was therefore surprised and disappointed to learn that Congressman Moylan independently referred this matter to the Department of Justice without first seeking clarification from me. To date, I have not been contacted by any investigative authority, but I remain prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful inquiry.

I am confident that a complete and impartial review will show that I carried out my duties responsibly and in accordance with all applicable rules, procedures, and directives. I will not allow my integrity to be called into question without factual basis, nor will I allow myself to be used as a scapegoat for decisions made under the congressman’s own oversight.

Out of respect for the legal process and all involved, I will offer no further comment at this time."