NBC 9 Guam, September 17, 2015: Bordallo chief of staff faces misdemeanor after April arrest

The case against Whitt was filed April 7 after the Anne Arundel County Police in Millersville, Maryland, arrested him, according to court documents.

Whitt was charged with assault in the second degree and a sexual offense in the fourth degree. The Maryland state criminal code defines the fourth-degree charge as engaging in nonconsensual sexual contact.

Earlier allegations

Whitt has faced similar allegations in the past.

In 1987, Whitt pleaded guilty to harassment after being accused of inappropriately touching a Navy man, which resulted in Whitt being placed on probation for two years and a fine of $150, according to news files. The 1987 incident took place in Guam. In February of that year, a Navy man told police that Whitt molested him while he slept. Whitt initially faced a criminal sexual conduct allegation but pleaded guilty to harassment, a misdemeanor.

LINK: Whitt Busted on Sex Charge Feb 2 1987 

LINK: Whitt Pleads Guilty, 1987   

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JOHN WHITT RESIGNS AS BORDALLO CHIEF OF STAFF

News Release from Rep Bordallo's Office Sep 17, 2015

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam) today issued the following statement regarding the resignation of John Whitt as her chief of staff, effective immediately. 

“This morning, I accepted John Whitt’s resignation as my chief of staff, effective immediately. I have a responsibility to represent and advocate for our people to the best of my abilities, and unfortunately the pending allegations against John could detract from carrying out those responsibilities.

“I appreciate the many years of service that John has provided to me and the people of Guam throughout his career in public service. John was a trusted advisor, and his counsel was instrumental to carrying out my duties as Guam’s representative in Congress.

“Moving forward, I am confident that my staff will continue to carry out their duties fully, just as they have always done. I have appointed my Legislative Director, Matthew Herrmann, as my acting chief of staff.”

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STATEMENT REGARDING JOHN WHITT

News Release from Rep Bordallo's Office Sep 15, 2015

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today issued the following statement regarding her Chief of Staff, John Whitt.

“In April of this year, John was accused and arrested for a misdemeanor offense. I was informed of his arrest, (WHEN?) however he has not been convicted of wrongdoing and his case continues to move through the Maryland judicial system.

“John has faithfully served the people of Guam for more than three decades; he served in the Bordallo and Gutierrez Administrations, as former Congressman Robert Underwood’s legislative director, and as my chief of staff for the past 13 years. John has conducted his official duties with professionalism, and he has been a faithful confidant to me throughout my terms in office. He continues to be an important resource and advisor on the many issues that face our community and our people.

“In America, accused persons are presumed to be innocent until they are proven otherwise. I believe that the same standard should apply to John as his case moves forward. However in order to not distract from my official duties as Guam’s Delegate to Congress, John has agreed to be placed on administrative leave until his case is resolved.”

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