18 Sep 2017

American Samoan police chief in trouble over car buy

3:06 pm on 18 September 2017

Lawmakers in American Samoa have admonished the police commissioner for buying police vehicles without getting Fono approval of the financing.

Police Commissioner Le'i Sonny Thompson used funds from a law enforcement fee attached to all traffic fines to pay for the vehicles.

Senator, Magalei Logovi'i, said the law was clear that any purchase of new police cars using the fund required legislative approval.

American Samoa Public Safety Commissioner Le'i Sonny Thompson, with Governor Lolo Malaga in cap

Police Commissioner Le'i Sonny Thompson Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller

Magalei said the latest information was that the police chief was planning to purchase more vehicles using the fund.

It was revealed during last week's fiscal year budget 2018 hearing that the police commissioner used the fund to purchase two police vehicles.

Some senators want the matter taken to court but the Senate opted for a hearing.

The House is also demanding answers from the police commissioner.