As Rota Mayor Efraim M. Atalig is the only defendant in the case, Judge Naraja said the defendant’s motion for status update is moot.
Mayor Atalig and seven of his former and current resident directors were charged by the Attorney General’s Office with misconduct in public office.
But the mayor’s co-defendants have already disposed the cases against them through a plea agreement or by participating in an adult diversion program.
They were accused of using CNMI public funds, time, personnel or equipment for a political or campaign activity by attending or promoting a political or campaign rally on Guam in June 2018.
Misconduct in public office is punishable for a period of not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $1,000.
In federal court, the trial of Mayor Atalig and co-defendant Evelyn Atalig is ongoing. Both were charged over government-funded off-island travels.
