TSA team on island as probe vs exec widens

A team of Transportation Security Administration officials is on island, interviewing former and current members of the local airport screening force about complaints against the TSA-Saipan chief, a source close to the proceedings said.

According to the source, the investigation team has been conducting the interviews at the Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Chamolinian Room over the past few days. The group is expected to stay until Nov. 27.

The source said TSA personnel, both past and present, are being asked about acts of racial discrimination and sexual harassment allegedly committed by John Peoples, TSA federal security director for the Saipan International Airport.

When contacted at his office yesterday, Peoples declined to give any statement regarding the team’s visit to Saipan. He said he would refer the Saipan Tribune to a TSA official who can answer questions about the visit.

The Saipan Tribune also reached the team leader, Sidney Hayakawa, at the hotel yesterday. Hayakawa, chief officer of the TSA Management Inquiry Team, said his group is “not allowed to give any press statement regarding our mission here.”

He referred this reporter to Nico Melendez, a TSA public information officer based in California. Melendez was not available for an interview as of press time.

Adolf Sgambelluri, TSA chief for Guam International Airport, is also part of the inquiry team, the Saipan Tribune learned.

The complaints against Peoples arise from the series of terminations of local TSA employees.

From 78 screeners in January 2003, the number of inspectors at the airport is now down to only 48, due mainly to terminations and resignations. Some employees have gone on leave or transferred to other airports.

In Nov. 2003, a screener assigned at the Saipan airport accused Peoples of mismanagement and unfair treatment of employees. The screener, who spoke under condition of anonymity, had said Peoples discriminate against Caucasian employees.

For his part, Peoples had said the screening job demands professionalism and integrity from employees. Those who have been fired were not able to live up to the strict standards of TSA, he had said.

Recently, a terminated TSA employee filed a sexual harassment complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Peoples.

Besides disclosing Peoples’ alleged sexual advances, former TSA employee Paul DiGangi also accused the TSA management on Saipan of discriminating against Caucasians.

DiGangi was terminated on April 17, 2003 over allegations that he used his government travel card for personal purchases. DiGangi was also accused of falsifying his time and labor report.