Employees of the American Samoa Power Authority as well as private contractors are questioning why ASPA has retained the services of John Utu who has been convicted of a federal crime.
In 2015, John Utu pled guilty to one count of theft of government property, relating to the 1602 grant housing program administered by the Development Bank of American Samoa.
He was sentenced to 36 months probation, ordered to pay restitution of $30,673 and perform 100 hours of community service.
Based on issues raised by employees, KHJ News asked ASPA Executive Director Utu Abe Malae what’s the justification for John Utu working at ASPA as a contractor when he took a severance package after he was convicted. And the ASPA rule on severance is that the employee doesn’t return to work for five years.
Utu replied that John is an employee of a local company that for one provides services for the land fill. He added, “we are pleased with that service that has resulted in the extension of the landfill by about 8 years.”
The ASPA boss said John’s company was also asked to help with the Gita recovery “because of the disorganization in the early stages of the recovery.”
He added, “that is something you can appreciate, having power restored.”
KHJ News asked if the services that John Utu is providing as a contractor were advertised.
The Executive Director said,”There is no need to advertise as we already know what he can and cannot do. Resourcefullness is the quality in short supply and is what the doctor ordered for ASPA operations and Gita recovery.
Asked if John Utu is now an employee of ASPA or still working as a contractor, Utu said that John is not an employee. ASPA will use the company services as long as they re needed.
