Dennis Mendiola
LIEUTENANT Gov. Dennis Mendiola, CNMI Homeland Security official Joey Dela Cruz, and Lt. Justin Paul Mizutani of the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services entered pleas of not guilty on Monday to charges of misconduct in public office for allegedly misusing public funds to rent vehicles and for transporting one to Rota illegally.
At their scheduled arraignment before Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, the three defendants, through their respective attorneys, waived the reading of their rights and the complaint against them.
Mendiola faces three counts of misconduct in public office and one count of theft. Mizutani is charged with one count each of misconduct and theft. Dela Cruz faces one count of misconduct.
Mendiola was represented by attorney Bruce Berline, Mizutani by attorney Joey P. San Nicolas, and Dela Cruz by attorney Charity Hodson, while Assistant Attorney General Olga Kelley appeared for the government.
Judge Naraja scheduled Mizutani and Dela Cruz’ status hearing for Oct. 15, 2025 at 10 a.m., and Mendiola’s for Dec. 3, 2025 at 10 a.m.
The allegations
According to court documents, Mendiola, while serving as Homeland Security and Emergency Management special assistant in 2022, authorized the transport of a private 2003 Toyota Tacoma from Saipan to Rota on a chartered vessel, costing the government $3,135.81. He also allegedly ordered the transport of a rental 2019 Toyota Tacoma — owned by Pacific Corporation/SPN Car Rental — without consent, resulting in a $3,658.66 loss.
Between April and December 2022, Mendiola allegedly rented five vehicles from Pacific Corporation without budget approval or payment, leaving the government with a $61,290 debt.
Mizutani, temporarily assigned to HSEM’s special operations group, is accused of helping transport the 2019 Tacoma to Rota without authorization. Both Mendiola and Mizutani are charged with theft for allegedly taking the rental vehicle, valued at $20,000.
Dela Cruz, while acting as HSEM special assistant, allegedly rented four vehicles between October 2022 and April 2023 without budget approval or payment, resulting in a $20,415 debt.
