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Ada is named acting Commerce Secretary
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Posted on Aug 13 2008
Deputy Commerce Secretary Michael Ada is slated to take the role of the department’s acting head when he returns from an off-island trip after the indictment of Secretary James Santos on felony fraud charges.
In an interview Wednesday, Charles Reyes, spokesman for Gov. Benigno Fitial, said that Ada will “fill-in” for Santos upon his return until the governor can appoint a new secretary.
“He’ll be back very shortly,” Reyes said. “When he does, Mike will assume the secretary’s job in an acting capacity.”
Lt. Gov. Timothy Villagomez, Santos, and his wife Joaquina pleaded not guilty in federal court Monday on three felony counts of wire fraud, conspiracy and theft involving federal funds. Prior to Santos’ term as Commerce chief, he owned one of two companies federal authorities say filled chemical sales orders for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. in a scheme to defraud the government.
Reyes said that Santos briefly appeared for work at the Department of Commerce earlier this week. Staff at the department’s offices, however, said he was not seen yesterday and revealed he has taken a leave of absence.
Commerce staff described conditions at the department for now as “business as usual.”
Fitial appointed Santos in 2006.
