Jeffrey Dela Cruz of Papago appeared in court for a bail hearing yesterday represented by his counsel, E. Smith.
The government was represented by Assistant Attorney General Joseph Pryzuski.
Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo imposed a $10,000 bail on the defendant, 10 percent or $1,000 of which will be cash and the remaining amount in unsecured bond.
Govendo set the preliminary hearing for April 8 and the arraignment for April 13.
Investigator Edward A. Pua of Attorney General’s Office stated in his affidavit that at 2:15 p.m., on Feb. 25, he and investigator Erwin Flores met Zhi Guang Li at the AG’s Investigative Unit/Immigration Enforcement office on Capitol.
Li told Pua that members of the Saipan zoning office conducted an inspection at his establishment known as Z.Y. Li Corp., doing business as Vegetables Plus, in Puerto Rico.
Li said Dela Cruz told him that he was not in compliance and he was in violation of the zoning regulation by having an illegal banner sign.
Li said Dela Cruz demanded $100 from him and informed him that if he refused to pay the $100, the defendant would issue a citation.
Li was unable to pay $100 and offered the defendant $50.
He said the defendant was not happy and told Li that he would be back again regarding the banner sign.
Li said on Feb. 21, at 1 p.m., the defendant came to his business establishment and told him he would help Li with the paper work and other requirements.
Li paid him $50.
Dela Cruz then told Li that all paperwork and requirements, including a citation dated Feb 3, would be waived if the businessman would pay an additional $150.
Li added that the defendant assured him that he, Dela Cruz, would talk to his supervisor so that requirements concerning Li’s illegal banner sign would be waived.
A recorded conversation between Li and Dela Cruz indicated that the defendant received $200 from the businessman.
Dela Cruz also told Li that should he file a report with the authorities, he, Dela Cruz, would ask a family member, whom the defendant claimed was a member of the “Mafia,” to go after Li and his family.
