ASSISTANT U.S. Attorney Eric O’Malley has asked the federal court to schedule a change of plea hearing in the case against former CNMI Bar Association Executive Director Peonie Cabrera.
Cabrera has been accused of fraudulently withdrawing cash from the bar association’s bank account and cashing checks owned by the CNMI Bar for her personal use.
“In light of the Plea Agreement signed by the parties and filed with the Court on May 28, 2024, the United States of America, by and through undersigned counsel, hereby moves this Court to set this matter for a Change of Plea hearing on Friday, May 31, 2024,” O’Malley said in a motion filed Wednesday.
The plea agreement was sealed by the court.
In related news, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI has recused herself from handling Cabrera’s case. She said her self-recusal is pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 455(b)(4).
“A designated judge will be assigned to handle this matter,” she added.
On May 28, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Districts of Guam and the NMI charged Cabrera with two counts of bank fraud and two counts of wire fraud.
The offenses took place between April 2019 and May 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
