By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
A FORMER Superior Court law clerk has filed a federal lawsuit against the CNMI Judiciary and Attorney General Edward Manibusan, alleging that a criminal sexual assault prosecution — recently overturned — was retaliatory.
William Abraczinskas, 37, filed the 37-page complaint Monday in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. In his filing, Abraczinskas, who is representing himself, requested a jury trial, an undetermined amount of damages, and submitted an application to waive the required filing fees.
The lawsuit names 12 defendants, including Manibusan, several judges, and prosecutors.
The complaint
Abraczinskas, who identifies as a bisexual male, alleges that a pattern of discriminatory and retaliatory acts began around April 1, 2023. According to the complaint, he was subjected to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment while employed at the Superior Court.
The lawsuit claims that after he reported the harassment, the defendants engaged in a “retaliatory criminal referral” and manipulated internal records to facilitate prosecution against him. He also alleges that officials interfered with his proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and improperly disclosed confidential employment information to investigators.
Conviction and new trial
The federal suit comes amid a complex local court case. On Sept. 13, 2024, a jury found Abraczinskas guilty of first-degree sexual assault, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace. He had been accused of rape by another court employee, an allegation he denied, pleading not guilty.
He was scheduled for sentencing on April 28, 2025, when his attorney filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that the victim had lied during testimony. The motion was based on newly discovered evidence, including conversations between the victim and another judicial clerk.
Following an evidentiary hearing on June 23, 2025, Superior Court Judge Pro Tem Elyze Iriarte granted a new trial. Abraczinskas was released on a $100,000 appearance bond and placed under house arrest. The prosecution has appealed the order, and the CNMI Supreme Court has yet to rule.
Defendants and allegations
The federal complaint outlines allegations against several officials involved in administrative and legal proceedings:
–Judiciary of the CNMI and Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo — named as Abraczinskas’ former employer and direct supervisor.
–Chief Prosecutor Chester M. Hinds and Assistant Attorney General Frances Morella T. Demapan — accused of participating in the alleged retaliatory prosecution.
–Attorney General Edward Manibusan — sued in his official capacity.
–Human Resources Director Michelle V. Guerrero and counsel Matthew J. Brown and Hyun Jae Lee — allegedly mishandled internal complaints and records in a retaliatory manner.
–Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho and DPS Officers Shannon Dela Cruz and Kroy Atalig Ogo — alleged to have participated in the referral and investigation process.
Abraczinskas filed the lawsuit after receiving a “Notice of Right to Sue” from the EEOC on Dec. 9, 2025. He brings the action under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that his constitutional rights were violated by coordinated actions of judicial and executive branch officials.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
