UPDATE: The Attorney General’s office has launched an urgent legal battle against the Leon Guerrero administration, seeking immediate payment of $50,137 owed to contract attorneys handling critical legal work for the government of Guam. This lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of Guam, alleges that the administration has unlawfully withheld these payments, jeopardizing essential legal services.
Attorney General Douglas Moylan claims that Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Department of Administration Director Ed Birn are obstructing the payment process for attorneys whose services are deemed “mission-critical.” In a press statement, Moylan said, “This Governor for months now has ‘messed’ with the Attorney General’s ability to hire and pay for attorneys to serve our client.” The AG is demanding a court order to compel Adelup to release the funds immediately.
The legal dispute centers on contracts with three attorneys, including William Pole, Edward C. Han, and the firm Consovoy McCarthy PLLC. The invoices for these attorneys detail amounts of $25,520, $20,017.50, and $4,600 respectively. Moylan argues these contracts were lawfully secured and that the governor lacks the authority to dictate hiring criteria for his office.
In an alarming twist, the governor’s legal team has asserted that these contracts, totaling approximately $1.5 million, are illegal. They claim that the AG’s office overstepped its bounds, as Guam law restricts the AG to hire only for “legal consultant services.” This assertion adds another layer of complexity to an already tense legal landscape.
This latest action follows a series of contentious exchanges between the AG’s office and the governor’s attorneys. On October 13, Adelup’s counsel informed the AG’s office that they would not approve the contract for Pole, citing legal procurement issues. The AG’s office has vehemently disagreed with this position, threatening legal action if payments are not processed by October 22.
Moylan has also called for the Guam Legislature to defund the governor’s legal team and to conduct oversight hearings regarding the Department of Administration. This push for transparency comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the governor’s handling of budgetary and legal matters, with implications that could affect villages across the islands.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the potential impacts on public services and governance remain significant. The court’s decision on this matter could set a precedent for future legal contracts and the operational autonomy of the Attorney General’s office.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, highlighting the urgent need for resolution in the governance of Guam.
