KOROR, Palau (18 Apr 2006) -- The office of the Special Prosecutor in Palau has filed charges against Peleliu State Governor Jackson Ngiraingas. Ngiraingas this time has been charged with bribery and misconduct in public office charges. After Special prosecutor Everett Walton filed a case against Ngiraingas last week, the Peleliu governor, in a letter to Palau Senate President Johnny Reklai, said the case was "frivolous." "Mr. Spotless Walton should have conducted his research and investigation before spending additional government time and public funds trying to find if the governor of Peleliu has committed a crime," Ngiraingas said. According to the complaint against Ngiraingas, the governor unlawfully and voluntarily received items or 1,080,806 shares of stock of UK Investment Holdings with the value of US$1 per share as well as free lodging, meals, and entertainment "in return for official actions to further and to promote the proposed Nautilus City project in Peleliu." Ngiraingas, the special prosecutor said, committed illegal acts under the color of office by receiving shares of stocks from a private company. Ngiraingas said Walton is trying to divert public attention and is selective in his investigations. In his letter to the Senate, the governor provided a copy of an official trip report to Malaysia and a letter turning down an offer to purchase shares from UK Investment Holdings Limited and serve as its director. | 
