co-accused, fugitive lawyer Joseph Arriola, is expected to appear for his initial hearing in federal court today.
As of 4:30 p.m. yesterday, Arriola’s name was listed in the U.S. District Court for the NMI’s calendar, captioned “United States of America vs. Joseph A. Arriola.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Schuler will represent the federal government.
Arriola was arrested in the Philippines in June 2009 by combined elements of the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Arriola fled the CNMI after being indicted, together with Pelisamen, for wire fraud and money laundering.
The U.S. State Department revoked Arriola’s passport after his indictment.
Investigators located Arriola after the lawyer met with undercover agents who claimed to be representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Manila in connection with the visa application of his fiancée.
