By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
FOUR CNMI judges have recused themselves from handling the reckless driving and fleeing or attempting to elude case involving a Drug Court officer, citing conflicts of interest.
Frankie B. Camacho has been charged with reckless driving and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
In their recusals, Superior Court Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho said a “conflict exists.” Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio also stated that a “conflict exists,” noting that the defendant is “currently employed with the Superior Court.” Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo wrote that “the defendant in this matter is currently employed with the undersigned.” Associate Judge Teresa Kim Tenorio, who serves as the Drug Court judge, likewise said “a conflict exists with the undersigned.”
All four judges requested that the case be reassigned.
According to court documents, at about 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2026, Frankie B. Camacho allegedly drove a motor vehicle on a Saipan highway and willfully failed or refused to stop for pursuing police officers after they activated emergency lights and sirens. He was reportedly riding a gray Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The information further alleges that Frankie B. Camacho reached speeds of up to 85 miles per hour while weaving through traffic.
Reckless driving carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment and a fine of $25 to $1,000. Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer is punishable by 30 days to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of $100 to $500.
Assistant Public Defender Emily Thomsen has entered an appearance on behalf of the defendant.
No hearing date has been set.
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.
