Deputy Attorney General Gregory Baka served as the CNMI’s acting attorney general for about 10 months.
Press Secretary Charles Reyes Jr. said Baka, who has previous experience in criminal law, will take over the caseload previously handled by Attorney General Edward Buckingham whose nomination was confirmed on Aug. 14.
“Mr. Baka will apply his skills to improve existing case management systems as part of an effort to develop sentencing guidelines and improve consistently within the Criminal Division,” said Buckingham in a statement.
Baka will also serve as counsel to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Santiago F. Tudela.
“I did not have any specific plans, except to be as supportive and helpful as possible, which I can continue to do wherever I am located,” said Baka.
Tudela expressed appreciation for receiving legal support through Baka, saying legal issues, training and litigation are ongoing challenges for police officers.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said he is confident that Baka’s extensive experience as a former federal prosecutor will be an asset to the CNMI’s criminal division.
Chief Prosecutor Kevin Lynch, for his part, welcomed Baka to the Criminal Division and noted that they have had a successful ongoing professional relationship as members of the Office of the Attorney General.
“Greg will strengthen the Criminal Division and I look forward to working with him,” said Lynch.
Baka graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1979. In 1985, he studied law at the University Of San Francisco School Of Law and graduated in 1989.
