After nearly three years of legal wrangling,  Leo Espia, a former planner with the Office of Civil Defense has reached a settlement with the agency.

Espia, who was fired in 2022 over alleged cybersecurity violations, will be reinstated as a classified government employee and transferred to the Port Authority of Guam.

Espia challenged his termination, claiming it was without cause and violated civil service rules. The case revealed tensions within OCD leadership, especially between former Homeland Security Advisor Samantha Brennan, who ordered the firing, and Administrator Charles Esteves, who opposed it.

As part of the settlement, Espia will receive back pay dating to his dismissal, and OCD will cover all contributions owed to the Government of Guam Retirement Fund during that period.

The Civil Service Commission officially dismissed the case this week following the stipulated agreement.