8 Jul 2009

Two top American Samoan officials investigated and placed on leave

2:22 pm on 8 July 2009

American Samoa's Public Safety Commissioner has placed two senior officials on annual leave while they are under investigation.

The two are the Deputy Commissioner Filifaatali Mike Fuiava and the Manager of the Office of Motor Vehicles, Marie Ripley.

Commissioner Tuaolo Fruean said in a special order yesterday that based on allegations from a criminal investigation he is placing the two on annual leave until the investigation is completed.

Our correspondent understands the commissioner's move is connected to the issuance of a license to a foreigner using someone else's birth certificate.

It's alleged that the license was authorised by Ms Ripley and it was later confiscated as evidence.

However it's alleged that deputy Commissioner Fuiava signed out the fake driver's license and now it cannot be located.