Update on Lyon’s Charge: FSM National Government Official Named in Hawaii State Media News Story

News Release from Office of the President, Federated States of Micronesia Feb 14, 2019 (FSM Time Zone)

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On or around February 12th, 2019, the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) confirmed through international media that FSM citizen Master Halbert, Assistant Secretary for Civil Aviation in the Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure, was arrested in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Halbert’s arrest is connected to the case concerning Frank James Lyon, of Lyon Associates, Inc, who allegedly paid bribes, including cash and travel, to two Micronesian officials between 2006 to 2016. In the indictment against Frank James Lyon of January 18, 2019, Mr. Halbert was given the designation of Micronesian Official 1.

Citizens will recall that upon the FSM National Government becoming aware on or around January 18th, 2019 of Lyons’ arrest that our Nation formally requested amplifying information from the United States Government on the alleged Micronesian officials. On February 14th, 2019 the FSM National Government was informed that the United States Government has approved the sharing of information related to this case that can be released, given the nature of this ongoing criminal investigation. The United States, under the Amended Compact of Free Association, is required to inform the FSM when FSM citizens are detained anywhere on U.S. soil. Despite currently having limited official information related to this case, the National Government is nonetheless taking appropriate steps necessary to ascertain the extent of FSM laws that may have been breached or broken.

The FSM National Government is committed to transparency and to fair and equal treatment under the law for all citizens. The FSM National Government will provide the public updates as often they are available and practical, while taking all appropriate legal measures required in this active and on-going criminal case.

  *   *   *   *   *

FSM Responds to Lyon’s Charge

News Release from Office of the President, Federated States of Micronesia, January 26, 2019

PALIKIR, Pohnpei  — The government of the Federated States of Micronesia became aware on or around Jan. 18, through local and international media, that Frank James Lyon of Lyon Associates Inc., headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been accused of bribing government officials in both the State of Hawaii, and in the FSM.

Lyon allegedly paid bribes in various forms, including cash and travel, to Micronesian officials, in order to secure engineering contracts in the FSM.

It has also recently been reported in Hawaii media that Frank James Lyon, aka Jim Lyon, has pled guilty to the alleged charges. FSM Information Services is currently unable to confirm the extent, and details, of the guilty plea. 

This news is as disturbing to the FSM government as it is to the citizenry of this nation, and the allegations are being taken seriously by the FSM administration.

Accordingly, the FSM national government has officially requested the support and cooperation of the United States government in the form of any amplifying information and details that may be shared or provided to the FSM Department of Justice, particularly, as it pertains to the alleged FSM involvement. 

This information is critical to the FSM government in helping to understand the details of the case and associated allegations in their entirety.

The FSM national government is committed to transparency, and to fair and equal treatment under the law, and will take all appropriate legal measures required in this active and ongoing criminal case.

---30---

MV: "Lyon Associates" 

Will Lyon Bribe Recipients Get Away With It?

Local businessman admits he bribed state officials as part of a plea deal

Lyon has agreed to cooperate with the federal officials, who did not say who received the bribes.

Corrupt Lyon Contract with DHHL at Anahola?

Bribery: Will Caldwell Remove Federal Felon from Zoning Board?