THE Superior Court has dismissed the charges against David Ayuyu Atalig, 64, after he was found “unresponsive” at his house.
Atalig was accused of sexual abuse of a minor in the third degree and disturbing the peace. He was represented by the Public Defender’s Office.
Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds on Thursday requested the court to dismiss with prejudice the case against Atalig.
“Rota-DPS recently reported to our office that defendant’s body was found unresponsive at home on Rota. Based on the investigation, there was no obvious foul play, and cause of death was determined to be natural causes. Defendant’s body was identified by family members, and he was pronounced dead by Dr. Mathew Nelson at 9 a.m. on Dec. 27, 2023,” Hinds said.
He added, “Given these circumstances, the Commonwealth respectfully requests this court to dismiss the case with prejudice.”
Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja granted the prosecution’s request and dismissed the case against Atalig.
According to court documents, “On or about Nov. 28, 2021, on Rota…, David Ayuyu Atalig … did unlawfully engage in sexual contact with a person who was 13, 14, or 15 years of age … to wit: Defendant, being 64 years of age, did engage in sexual contact with a minor child … in violation of 6 CMC § 1308(a) and made punishable by 6 CMC § 1308(b).”
In addition, Atalig “did unlawfully and willfully commit an act which unreasonably annoyed or disturbed the peace of a minor child … causing the minor to feel scared and uncomfortable, in violation of 6 CMC § 3101(a), and made punishable by 6 CMC §§ 3101(b) and 4101(d).”
