10 Feb 2003

American Samoa's acting customs chief on administrative leave

3:15 pm on 10 February 2003

American Samoa's acting Chief of Customs, Jim Butler, has been placed on administrative leave in order for him to provide proof that he was pardoned for stealing.

Mr Butler was placed on leave after an Internal panel investigated claims that his employment was in violations of a local law dealing with people who have committed a felony.

According to a Treasury Official, Mr Butler told the panel that he was pardoned by the then governor, Uifaatali Peter Coleman.

Mr Butler had been found guilty of 18 counts of stealing while employed at the Department of Parks and Recreations.