In 2003, Nogis was charged with theft of federal funds and was later convicted.
In 2006, the Bank of Saipan sued Nogis and three others for defaulting on their $100,000 loan.
Last March 10, DPL awarded Nogis’s firm, FELNO Consulting Services, a $60,000 contract to advise the department on how to develop a village homestead project in the Northern Islands.
Nogis will also help DPL assess its policy in public land development and investment.
Another Covenant Party supporter, Ramona T. Rebuenog, has been hired by DPL after her failed election bid to be Northern Islands mayor.
Some government workers said DPL has become a sanctuary for the administration’s political supporters.
DPL’s current chief is former Speaker Oscar M. Babauta, a Fitial loyalist.
“There are people who have been laid off. Others will see cuts on their salaries. And now we’re seeing sole-source contract being given to a convicted felon,” a government worker who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation told the Variety.
Another government employee asked how could DPL grant Nogis a contract for such consultancy work when he doesn’t have the background for it.
“We need consultants. But they must have the necessary background. What will a convicted felon advise DPL? It’s a waste of government money. The government is calling for austerity and yet we’re seeing unnecessary contracts signed,” he said.
“Our salaries will be cut soon and we see people being hired at DPL. For what? It hurts us, residents, to see our leaders do these kinds of things,” another government employee said.
A bill introduced recently by Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan and a Fitial supporter, will allow convicted felons, except sexual offenders, to petition the court to expunge their criminal records.
“This makes me think there could be that many convicted felons who are employed in the CNMI government. Certainly, this bill is self-serving and is designed to benefit certain people,” a government employee said.
