Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said he respects Villagomez’s decision which the chief executive described as “one of the most difficult decisions he has had to make in his life.”
“I understand Tim’s decision. It is a decision he has made for his family — for his wife, six children and grandchild — as well as for the people of the CNMI. I respect his decision and the efforts he will make to comfort his family, maintain his dignity, and restore a sense of normalcy to his life,” said Fitial in a statement.
He said he always enjoyed a good working relationship with Villagomez
“I am grateful for the service he has provided on the Water Task Force, the Coral Reef Task Force, and the CNMI’s Military Task Force,” the governor said.
“Most of all, I am grateful to Tim for the role he played when I underwent medical treatment during my first year in office as governor. Tim capably handled the affairs of government during my absence and served the commonwealth well during that time.”
Villagomez, 45, holds a civil engineering degree from the San Diego University and served as the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s executive director from 1994 to 2002.
In 2003, Villagomez won a seat in the House of Representatives and was elected vice speaker.
Sentencing
Villagomez, his sister Joaquina, 50, and her husband, former Commerce Secretary James Santos, 47, were convicted of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, wire fraud and theft of federal funds.
U.S. Attorney for Guam and the Northern Marianas Leonardo M. Rapadas told the Variety in a telephone interview that wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail; conspiracy, five years; and theft of federal funds, 10 years.
The three will remain out on bail pending their sentencing on July 28.
Rapadas said the Villagomez case should send a strong message to public officials.
“This is an important step toward introducing accountability among public officials. They should keep their house clean. Keep the people’s trust because the consequences of not doing that are real.”
U.S. Assistant Attorney Eric O’Malley, who prosecuted the case, said they expect an appeal but firmly believe that justice will be upheld.
The fourth defendant in the case, former Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive director Anthony Guerrero, earlier pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the prosecution.
Villagomez is the highest ranking CNMI official to have been convicted in a criminal case.
In the past, a former Senate president, a former House speaker, two senators, a former mayor and a former finance secretary were also convicted in separate criminal cases and served time in federal prison.
Residents interviewed by this reporter had mixed reactions regarding Villagomez’s conviction.
“Good for him,” said a local resident who asked not to be named.
Another said the conviction once again proves that crime does not pay.
“We suffered more than enough blackouts because of their illegal deals. There’s more to uncover at CUC. It’s about time they fix the problem,” the resident said.
