A former plant superintendent at the Palau Public Utilities Corporation’s power plant in Aimeliik has been charged for allegedly selling PPUC’s fuel without authorization from PPUC. The charge of Theft in the Second Degree, a felony charge, was filed by the Office of Attorney General against Wridan Ngiralmau.
Wridan Ngiralmau, former plant superintendent at PPUC plant, allegedly sold 500 gallons of diesel fuel to Aimeliik State for $3.00 per gallon, for a total of $1,500 in July of this year.
According to the police affidavit, Mr. Ngiralmau had requested Aimeliik State Government to transport fuel for PPUC. In the conversation with the state Governor Browny Simer, he allegedly offered to sell fuel to the state for $3 per gallon.
An invoice issued in Wridan Ngiralmau’s name was sent to the state for payment and the state issued a check of $1,500 to Mr. Ngiralmau for the fuel.
After the purchase, a state employee was instructed to pick up the fuel from Ngiralmau at PPUC Aimeliik Power Plant. The employee picked up 10 drums and transported them to Aimeliik State public works.
PPUC denied that Mr. Ngiralmau was authorized to “facilitate, negotiate and execute the sale of 500 gallons worth of PPUC fuel stored at the PPUC Aimeliik Power Plant.”
Other reports received alleged that the fuel purchased from Ngiralmau was not suitable for use and caused damage to some of the state’s heavy equipment resulting in the complaints and the investigation.
Ngiralmau has been terminated from PPUC. Mr. Ngiralmau is also a sitting legislator At-Large of the Aimeliik State Legislature.
The charge is a Class C felony charge punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to $10,000.
The defendant is presumed innocent of the above charges unless proven guilty in a court of law.