Ogumoro, the CNMI’s range master. was named deputy commissioner last February.
His relief came on the same day he called a press conference to lash out at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for “credit grabbing” in connection with the arrest of a Tinian traffic officer, the son-in-law of the incumbent mayor, and another individual on “ice” charges.
Ogumoro did not report for work yesterday, Variety was told after visiting his office.
It was learned that Tudela met with acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos on Wednesday morning, and released the order relieving Ogumoro in the afternoon.
Everybody at DPS was surprised to learn about it, according to uniformed and civilian personnel interviewed by the Variety.
Tudela was unaware that Ogumoro had scheduled a press conference on Wednesday.
Ogumoro told reporters that a Tinian police officer “betrayed” DPS and violated Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s order by leaking information to the DEA.
He also disclosed the identities of the three arrested on Tinian: Police Officer 1 Gilbert Macaranas, Henry San Nicolas, and Carlos Aldan.
Their case was supposed to be sealed.
Yesterday, the defendants made their initial appearance in federal court before Senior Judge John C. Coughenour.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Benedetto is representing the federal government while attorneys Anthony Long, Joseph Camacho, and Mark Hanson are the defense counsels.
The defendants appeared in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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