By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
CHIEF Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI has disqualified herself from presiding over a federal lawsuit filed by a former Superior Court law clerk who alleges that his now‑overturned criminal prosecution for sexual assault was retaliatory. Judge Manglona recused herself under 28 U.S.C. § 455(a), stating that her impartiality might reasonably be questioned.
In her order, Judge Manglona said a designated judge would be assigned to the case. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has temporarily designated Guam District Judge Frances Tydingco‑Gatewood to take over.
The plaintiff, 37‑year‑old William Abraczinskas, filed the 37‑page complaint pro se on March 9, 2026, in the District Court for the NMI. He is seeking a jury trial and an unspecified amount of damages, and has applied to waive filing fees.
The lawsuit names 12 defendants, including NMI Attorney General Edward Manibusan, several judges, prosecutors, and court officials.
Federal complaint
Abraczinskas, who identifies as a bisexual male, alleges that discriminatory and retaliatory conduct began around April 1, 2023. At the time, he was employed at the Superior Court. He claims he was subjected to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, and that after reporting the harassment, officials initiated a “retaliatory criminal referral” that led to his prosecution.
The complaint further alleges that internal records were manipulated to support the referral, officials interfered with his Equal Employment Opportunity Commission proceedings, and confidential employment information was improperly disclosed to investigators.
Superior Court conviction and new trial
The federal lawsuit unfolds alongside an ongoing legal battle in local court. On Sept. 13, 2024, a jury convicted Abraczinskas of first‑degree sexual assault, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace. He was accused of raping another court employee, an allegation he has denied.
Before sentencing, his attorney filed a motion for a new trial, citing newly discovered evidence involving conversations between the alleged victim and another judicial clerk. After an evidentiary hearing on June 23, 2025, Superior Court Judge Pro Tem Elyze Iriarte granted the motion, released Abraczinskas on a $100,000 appearance bond, and placed him under house arrest.
The Office of the Attorney General has appealed the order granting a new trial. The NMI Supreme Court has yet to issue a ruling.
Defendants and allegations
In the federal case, Abraczinskas alleges coordinated misconduct by judicial and executive branch officials. The complaint identifies the Judiciary of the NMI and Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo as his former employer and direct supervisor. Chief Prosecutor Chester M. Hinds and Assistant Attorney General Frances Morella T. Demapan are accused of participating in the allegedly retaliatory prosecution, while Attorney General Manibusan is sued in his official capacity.
Human Resources Director Michelle V. Guerrero and attorneys Matthew J. Brown and Hyun Jae Lee are alleged to have mishandled internal complaints and records. Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho and DPS officers Shannon Dela Cruz and Kroy Atalig Ogo are accused of involvement in the referral and investigation process.
Abraczinskas filed the lawsuit after receiving a “Notice of Right to Sue” from the EEOC on Dec. 9, 2025. He brings the action under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging violations of his constitutional rights through a coordinated effort by government officials.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
