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Palmer’s indictment hurts TCGCC’s image
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Posted on Sep 28 1999
Tinian — An official of the Tinian Casino and Gaming Control Commission has admitted that the indictment of the body’s former executive director has burdened the commission with the task of restoring the people’s trust and confidence.
TCGCC Vice Chairman Martin DLG San Nicolas said the image of the commission has been badly shattered and officials would have to work hard to rebuild its credibility.
San Nicolas was referring to the manhunt launched by federal authorities in connection with the indictment of Paul Palmer, former executive director of TCGCC, who had allegedly swindled the gaming commission and an Australian company by creating fictitious companies that maintained bank accounts in the Philippines and Nevada.
Palmer was charged with nine counts of wire fraud, mail fraud and interstate transportation of stolen properties. He was indicted on Aug. 5, 1999 but the case was sealed pending his arrest.
“It is very important that we put the commission at par with the rest of the gaming commission in the world,” said San Nicolas.
According to San Nicolas, TCGCC committed its biggest mistake when it gave so much power to Palmer. Although Palmer’s abuse of power has created a big scandal, there is a strong commitment from every member of the commission now that such incident should not be allowed to happen again.
Palmer was last seen in 1997 after he attended a Senate Committee hearing where he was investigated for illegal disbursement of funds. FBI investigation revealed that Palmer “did devise a scheme and plan to defraud TCGCC and its casino license applicants .. to enrich himself.”
The commission is still awaiting the results of the investigation conducted by the Office of the Public Auditor as well as its recommendations. San Nicolas said this would help them make the necessary policies and carry out programs of the commission.
Funding for the operation of TCGCC comes from the monthly tax payment of Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino amounting to $200,000. San Nicolas said its relations with Tinian Dynasty management has improved a lot compared before when it simply refused to work with the commission.
