National report cites federal grand jury investigation of lobbyist Abramoff

by Sabrina Salas Matanane, KUAM News
Monday, August 08, 2005

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If you're a KUAM News viewer, then you would know already the relationship Guam had with former high-powered Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Apparently the rest of the nation now knows his dealings with our Pacific island, as The Los Angeles Times revealed that a federal grand jury on Guam was at one time investigating Abramoff for his lobbying activities here.

According to the article, investigators were looking into Abramoff's secret arrangement with superior court officials to lobby against a court revision bill then pending in the U.S. Congress. KUAM reported that former Superior Court administrator, and now Bureau of Statistics and Planning director Tony Sanchez authorized payments to Attorney Howard Hills. The Times report stated "Abramoff was paid with a series of $9,000 checks funneled through a Laguna Beach lawyer to disguise the lobbyist's role for the Guam court.

The investigation however was dropped after, President George W. Bush demoted then Acting U.S. Attorney Fred Black. The Los Angeles Times also reported that Guam Public Auditor Doris Flores brooks reinitiated a separate investigation of Abramoff's secret lobbying work for the Guam courts. Reportedly Brooks is reviewing Abramoff's payments totaling $324,000 in 36 separate checks for $9,000 through Hills.