THESE past two years have been challenging because of the pandemic and turnover in personnel, CNMI Attorney General Edward Manibusan said in the Office of the AG’s annual report for calendar years 2020 and 2021.
“Notwithstanding the challenges, the OAG continued to provide substantial legal advice to the Executive Branch as well as provided comments on proposed legislation to the Legislative Branch of our government,” he added.
Overall, he said, the OAG’s Civil and Criminal Divisions secured favorable decisions in court and negotiated settlements in cases on terms favorable to the Commonwealth.
According to the AG, the Criminal Division pursued and prosecuted those who violated CNMI criminal laws and protected citizens from unlawful criminal activities.
“The OAG worked on many different projects, coordinated and made regular contacts with law enforcement and investigators and generally worked to improve relationships with other agencies and the community,” he said.
“The OAG, mindful of its constitutional duties, will continue to work earnestly on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth,” he added.
“As the Chief Legal Officer of the Commonwealth, I will ensure that the OAG provides the best legal services and advice to our government and justice to the people of the Commonwealth,” Manibusan said.
In 2020, the OAG said it prosecuted 121 felony cases, 230 misdemeanors, 21 juvenile cases, and 2,981 traffic cases.
In 2021, the OAG prosecuted 145 felony cases, 263 misdemeanors, 15 juvenile cases and 3,312 traffic cases.
The offenses cited include family violence, general crimes, property crimes, drugs, sexual assault, public corruption, and firearms.
As for the OAG’s key initiatives for 2022/2023 they are:
• Continue to support all law enforcement through meetings and training sessions;
• Focus on illegal business practices that hurt our consumers and other businesses;
• Continue to foster a non-partisan position on all matters brought to our attention;
• Continue to promote and ensure an open and transparent government;
• Continue to improve/strengthen the criminal code;
• Continue to work on new procurement regulations for the government and provide training to agencies;
• Continue to implement consumer awareness programs and investigate consumer complaints;
• Continue to explore solutions to mental health issues in the criminal justice system;
• Continue to collaborate with the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Youth Services to address juvenile delinquency issues in the Commonwealth;
• Continue to collaborate with other jurisdictions to expand resource activities to combat illegal drug and criminal activity in the CNMI; and
• Increase child support collections and enforcements.
Edward Manibusan
