XIAJUN Ning, a businesswoman, is accused of bribing zoning officers so she could continue with the construction of her building without proper zoning or building permits.
According to the court information filed against her on Nov. 26, 2024, “on or about Sept. 3, 2024, the defendant, Xiajun Ning, unlawfully gave or received something of value in wrongful and corrupt payment for an official act done or not done, to be done or not to be done, to wit: defendant gave $1,500 to Chief Enforcement Officer Yubert Alepuyo and Enforcement Officer Perry Borja, both employees of the Zoning Office, so that defendant could continue with the construction of her building as required under CNMI law, in violation of 6 CMC 3201 and made punishable by 6 CMC 3201(b), with a maximum sentence up to five years imprisonment, $4,500 fine, or both.”
Ning was summoned to appear before Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja on Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.
“If you do not appear, an application may be made for the issuance of [a] warrant for your arrest,” Clerk of Court Patrick Diaz said in the penal summons issued on Nov. 29, 2024.
Ning was served with the penal summons and information at her residence in Susupe on Dec. 2, 2024 at 10:01 a.m.
The law offices of Banes Horey Nie & Miller LLC filed a notice of appearance on Dec. 6, 2024 to represent her in the case.
As of press time Tuesday evening, there was no other available information about the defendant or her case.
