Bobby Shringi, former chief of staff for Guam Del. James Moylan, said he will not be used as a scapegoat after Moylan announced Congress “uncovered financial irregularities” related to personnel and benefits after Shringi resigned.

The irregularities were directly linked to Shringi’s job responsibilities, Moylan said, adding he immediately worked with the U.S. House of Representatives to refer the matter to the Justice Department, asking for a full investigation.

Moylan did not describe the specific allegations, citing the ongoing investigation, but said the Office of Payroll and Benefits found the irregularities. That office is responsible for ensuring congressional staff are paid accurately, legally, and on time. It also manages insurance, student loans and retirement benefits for those employees.

Each member of Congress is responsible for hiring their staff, consistent with the law and House rules, using their office budgets. Moylan is budgeted more than $1.3 million per year to run his Guam and D.C. offices.

“We’ll provide updates as allowed by (Justice Department) guidance,” Moylan said.

Shringi, responding to the allegations, said he followed all rules and laws, and Moylan was informed about all personnel, spending and management decisions. “Nothing happened without his concurrence,” Shringi said.

“I was therefore surprised and disappointed to learn that Congressman Moylan independently referred this matter to the Department of Justice without first seeking clarification from me,” Shringi said. “To date, I have not been contacted by any investigative authority, but remain prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful inquiry.”

Shringi said he is confident that a complete review will find he acted responsibly and legally as chief of staff.

“I will not allow my integrity to be called into question without factual basis, nor will I allow myself to be used as a scapegoat for decisions made under the congressman’s own oversight,” he said.

Shringi resigned as chief of staff in March. Neither Moylan nor Shringi have stated a reason. Shringi did not respond when asked again, this week, about the reason he resigned.

At the time of Shringi’s resignation, Moylan described him as a longtime friend and thanked him for his hard work and commitment.