Commissioner of Public Safety, Le’i Sonny Thompson, says he was aware and had been consulted by the Attorney General’s Office regarding the charging of two of his officers in connection with sexual harassment complaints made by two policewomen.
These are the cases of Lt. Siaosi Aiono and Officer Emanuele Lito who were charged Monday with misdemeanor charges of 3 degree assault.
Statements by the complainants and other information regarding the alleged incidents of sexual harassment were submitted to the AG’s Office by victims advocate Mrs Ipu Lefiti.
Mrs Lefiti said she was contacted by the complainant in the incidence with Aiono after DPS did not pursue any criminal action against him.
Aiono was placed on leave without pay for a week then returned to his commander position at the substation west.
After publicity of that incident , the policewoman who had a complaint against Lito contacted Mrs Lefiti about her case, stemming from an incident last June.
Since their cases were not referred to the Attorney General’s Office by DPS , KHJ News asked the commissioner if he was aware that the two would be charged before the charges were filed on Monday.
The commissioner responded, “ Yes, I am aware and have been consulted by the AG’s Office.”
But he didn’t answer our other questions.
“What effect do you think the handling of this case has on the public’ s perception of the professionalism and integrity of DPS? “
“What’s your feeling about the charges being filed by the AG’s Office without DPS input?”
Lt Aiono is believed to have left the territory last Friday and it’s not clear if he’s returning . Officer Lito is still on island and is resigning tomorrow.
A summons has been issued for their initial appearance in District Court May 25.
