The Senate had affirmed the appointment of Ms. April Dawn Cripps, who was nominated by President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. as Special Prosecutor, during a session yesterday evening, August 2.
Senators who are present voted 9-3, with nine expressing approval of the nomination.
Cripps’ confirmation as the Special Prosecutor came months after the position had been held vacant following the resignation of former Special Prosecutor Steven Killelea.
Remengesau, in his previous letter to Senate President Hokkons Baules dated Jully 11, had nominated Cripps to head the Office of the Special Prosecutor. Remengesau also pointed out the need to fill up the position, stating that it is the country’s “best interest” to install the Special Prosecutor soon.
“As some of your members (Senate)have recently pointed out, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has a great deal of important work to do, including cases that are currently pending,” Remengesau stated in the letter.
“I believe Ms. Cripps has distinguished herself as the best fit for this key role in our national government,” Remengesau stated in the letter.
Cripps has international legal experience including over four years of work in the Micronesian region. She previously worked as Assistant Attorney General in the Federated States of Micronesia from 2000 to 2002 and had also served as Justice Secretary in the FSM from 2012 to 2015.
Cripps also worked as Senior Attorney for the Florida Supreme Court, a Deputy General Counsel for Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and an Assistant General Counsel for Florida’s Department of Health, Prosecution Services Unit.
Cripps had expressed willingness to commit to minimum of five years of service.
The last three Special Prosecutors appointed by Palau had resigned before finishing their five-year term, since then, the government had been looking for candidates who can commit to a full term.
The office of the Special Prosecutor is responsible for prosecuting criminal wrongdoing and corruption by public officials. It also handles cases that present conflict of interest for the Attorney General’s Office. (Rhealyn C. Pojas)