Saipan Tribune

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

5 to 6 DPS employees either suspended, terminated

Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Deleon Guerrero confirmed yesterday that he terminated for cause the employment contract of Ambrosio Ogumoro as DPS deputy commissioner.

In a news briefing, Deleon Guerrero also disclosed that five to six DPS employees were either suspended or terminated effective Friday because of criminal conviction or pending criminal cases.

Deleon Guerrero said the termination of Ogumoro's employment was a result of the criminal charges filed against him in connection with the investigation conducted by the Office of the Public Auditor.

The commissioner said that Ogumoro will continue to serve as deputy commissioner for the next seven days.

He also noted that aside from OPA's investigation, Ogumoro is also facing a number of administrative complaints filed by some DPS employees.

Of the five or six employees suspended or terminated, Deleon Guerrero said administrative activities were initiated in the past two weeks to clean up the department.

“Individuals who have been charged with crimes have been suspended pending the final outcome of their cases. And those convicted have were terminated from employment as well,” he said.

The commissioner said he feels that these steps are necessary in order for the department to begin the process of regaining the public's trust and confidence.

“We have to show the community that we are just as capable in policing our department as much as we are entrusted to also to be able to police the community,” Deleon Guerrero said.