The trial for former Governor of Anguar who was accused of cheating, violation of code of ethics, misconduct in public office by Office of the Special Prosecutor was supposed to be held on 26th August till the 2nd of September but has been moved to 26th and 27th of September as material witnesses are off island.
The witnesses who are members of the office of the Public Auditor are in Guam for training and Agriculture Director Fred Sengebau is in Fiji during the original dates of trial.
Maria Gates-Meltel served as the elected Governor of Angaur State for two two-year terms, from January 2011 to December 31, 2014.
Gates-Meltel agreed to comment on the charges against her and said, “There are some people who are trying to frame me. It is political. It is the people who were against me when I was the governor.”
“We do good things for people and people go against us. That is politics” She added.
Gates-Meltel has been accused of using Anguar State assets or property for private activities that serve mo governmental or public purpose.
She has also been accused of violating Code of Ethics by solicitating, receiving or accepting compensation or other consideration for the performance of her official duties or responsibilities expect as provided by law.
She currently works as Administrative Officer at Bureau of Foreign Affairs & Trade under Ministry of State. (Eshan Kalyanikar)