Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has been contacted by the FBI regarding its investigation in American Samoa.  Charles L. Goodwin, Special Agent in Charge, faxed Faleomavaega a letter and a copy of the FBI’s press release regarding its investigation.  The fax was received in the Congressman’s Washington office at 5:41 pm on March 3, 2005. 

Given that this is a federal investigation, the FBI contacted the Congressman because Faleomavaega is the federal official who represents the U.S. Territory of American Samoa.  At this time, the Congressman is in Honolulu and enroute to American Samoa for district business but in response to yesterday’s events has requested a meeting with Special Agent in Charge Goodwin prior to his departure to the Territory on tonight’s flight. 

“I want to thank Special Agent in Charge Goodwin for bringing this serious matter to my attention,” the Congressman said.  “As a matter of public record and to ease tensions in the Territory, a copy of Special Agent in Charge Goodwin’s letter and the FBI press release are re-printed below.”

March 3, 2005

Dear Representative Eni F.H. Faleomavaega:

For your information, I am enclosing communications which may be of interest to you and your office.  The attached press release documents an investigation being conducted by the Honolulu Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as well as the Offices of Inspector General from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Interior.

Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

                                                            Sincerely,

CHARLES L. GOODWIN

Special Agent in Charge

March 3, 2005-03-04

FBI Press Release

Charles L. Goodwin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Honolulu Division, announced the execution of search warrants on governmental offices in the Territory of American Samoa.

Special Agent in Charge Goodwin advised that on the morning of Thursday, March 10, 2005, Special Agents of the FBI along with investigators from the Offices of Inspector General from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Interior, executed three search warrants on governmental offices in the Territory of American Samoa.  Goodwin advised that the offices of the Territorial Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and governmental main computer room were searched.

Goodwin further stated that the execution of the search warrants is part of an on-going public corruption investigation which is being coordinated with the United States Department of Justice, Public Integrity Section, Washington D.C.

Goodwin noted that the FBI is aware that a hurricane had recently passed through the Territory and added that the FBI is pursuing its investigation in such a way as to not disrupt the function of governmental offices. 

“Special Agent in Charge Goodwin and I will be having a lunch meeting today prior to my arrival in the Territory tonight to discuss this very serious investigation.   However, because this investigation is ongoing, Special Agent in Charge Goodwin will be limited in what he can discuss.  Nevertheless, I am hopeful that we will have a productive meeting and I look forward to being briefed accordingly,” the Congressman concluded.