Guam Governor, Key Aide Plead Not Guilty to Corruption Charges

Gov. Ricardo J. Bordallo pleaded not guilty today to corruption charges involving bribery, extortion, conspiracy, wire fraud and witness tampering.

Bordallo, elected in 1982 to a four-year term, was indicted Sept. 3, three days before the Democratic Party primary election, which he won by a 2-1 vote ratio.

Bordallo appeared for the first time in court today accompanied by his lawyers and deputy chief of staff, Rose Ramsey, who also is charged with extortion, conspiracy, bribery and witness tampering.

Ramsey, 31, resigned Monday, saying she had been advised to do so by her lawyer. Sources who requested anonymity said she is expected to testify for the government. She served on Bordallo’s staff from 1978 to 1982 and rejoined the governor in 1984.

John Borlas, a local businessman, also appeared in court to plead to one count of wire fraud and extortion. Ramsey and Borlas each pleaded not guilty and all three defendants were released without bail.